These soft and tangy lemon cookies are a burst of sunshine in every bite. Made with the perfect balance of zesty lemon juice and fresh lemon zest, they are light, refreshing, and perfectly tender. The buttery dough is flavored with just the right amount of sweetness, while the tangy lemon glaze adds a refreshing finish that enhances the bright citrus flavor. Whether you’re a fan of lemon or not, these cookies will surprise you with their smooth texture and vibrant taste. A delightful treat for any time of day, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite that’s both satisfying and light.
Why You’ll Love This:
These lemon cookies are simple yet absolutely delicious, offering a perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavors. Even if you’re not typically a fan of lemon-flavored desserts, these cookies will win you over with their irresistible texture and refreshing glaze. They stay soft for days, making them a perfect snack or dessert to enjoy throughout the week. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives them an authentic citrus flavor that’s refreshing without being overwhelming. Best of all, they are easy to make, with minimal prep time and ingredients you likely already have at home.
Perfect Occasion:
These lemon cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with tea. Their light and zesty flavor makes them ideal for spring and summer events, such as brunches, picnics, or garden parties. However, their bright citrus taste can also bring a touch of freshness to cooler months when you’re craving something light yet indulgent. They’re great as an afternoon snack, dessert, or even as a homemade gift for friends and family.
Decoration Tips:
For an elegant and appetizing presentation, drizzle the lemon glaze over the cookies in thin, even lines. Alternatively, for a more indulgent look, coat the tops of the cookies generously with the glaze, allowing it to drip down the sides. A light dusting of freshly grated lemon zest on top adds a vibrant pop of color and extra flavor. If you want a more rustic presentation, you can press the dough balls down with a glass before baking to create a flatter, more classic cookie shape. These cookies look beautiful on any serving platter, especially when paired with fresh lemon slices as garnish.
Ingredients:
- 120 grams of butter (softened but still slightly firm)
- 120 grams of sugar (about 2/3 of a cup)
- 2 egg yolks (34 grams total)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla
- A pinch of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (10 grams)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 190 grams of flour (about 1.5 cups + 2.5 tablespoons)
- 15 grams of starch (1 full tablespoon)
- A pinch of salt
- (Optional) A small pinch of turmeric for color
- (Optional) A few drops of lemon extract for a stronger lemon flavor
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (best if it doesn’t contain starch)
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
Note: 2/3 of a cup is slightly more than 1/2 cup—be careful not to add too much sugar.
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together for a few minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and light.
- Add the egg yolks to the butter mixture, beating until everything is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, blending the fresh citrus flavor into the dough.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape without being too sticky. If the dough feels too wet, add a little more flour to help firm it up.
- Divide the dough into 12 evenly sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you prefer flatter cookies, gently press each dough ball down with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.
Glaze Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until the glaze reaches a smooth consistency.
- If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add more lemon juice.
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon or fork for a delicate finish, or spread it generously for fuller coverage.
- For extra flavor and decoration, sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest on top of the glazed cookies.
Enjoy!
