Spring Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies

Name: Spring Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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I absolutely love baking during the spring, and these Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies are at the top of my list! The bright, zesty flavor of lemon combined with the sweetness of sugar creates a delightful treat perfect for any spring gathering. I enjoy sharing these cookies with friends and family, knowing they will brighten their day. The vibrant glaze adds a beautiful finish and an extra burst of citrus flavor that makes these cookies stand out. Trust me, you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection!

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-24T02:41:36.098Z

When I first experimented with lemon cookies, I was amazed at how the citrus flavor enlivened the classic sugar cookie. I found that using freshly grated lemon zest truly enhances the taste and aroma, making each bite refreshing. It’s essential to let the cookies cool completely before glazing to ensure the icing sets properly and doesn’t run off.

One tip that transformed my sugar cookies was the addition of a little cornstarch in the dough. This secret ingredient results in a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the bright lemon flavor beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see the smiles on everyone’s faces!

Why You Will Love These Cookies
Zesty lemon flavor that brightens any occasion
Soft and chewy texture with a delightful glaze
Perfectly sweet and refreshing for springtime

The Perfect Texture

Achieving the ideal soft and chewy texture in these cookies is all about the timing and temperatures used during baking. Keep an eye on them as they near the end of the suggested baking time. You want to pull them from the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures they will set perfectly as they cool, providing that delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Using unsalted butter is crucial for controlling the sweetness and flavor balance in these cookies. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch. Also, ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature—this helps create an airy structure when creaming with the sugar. If you accidentally over-softened it, chill it briefly in the fridge before mixing to achieve the ideal consistency.

Enhancing Flavor with Zest

The lemon zest is not just for show; it plays a vital role in bringing out the bright flavor profile of these cookies. When zesting, be sure to only take the outer yellow layer of the skin, as the white pith underneath can introduce a bitter taste. For an even more pronounced lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of zest slightly—just be careful not to overpower the sweetness of the sugar.

If you're looking to experiment, consider swapping some of the white sugar for brown sugar. This will add a depth of flavor and a slight chewiness to the cookies. The molasses in brown sugar will also play nicely with the lemon, creating a complex flavor that enhances the overall taste experience.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Shape Cookies

Drop rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool.

Prepare Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.

Glaze Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Pro Tips

For even more lemon flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon extract to the glaze. Additionally, let the cookies sit for a few hours to allow the glaze to set properly before serving.

Storage Tips

These Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their fresh texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container—this will help prevent the cookies from drying out. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers in your storage container to prevent sticking.

If you decide to freeze the cookies, it's best to freeze them before glazing. Once thawed, you can freshen them up with a quick drizzle of glaze. For best results, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before glazing; this helps bring back their delightful texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies make an excellent addition to any spring gathering, pairing beautifully with a cup of tea or refreshing lemonade. You can also serve them as a delightful dessert at brunch or picnic. For a fun twist, consider turning them into an ice cream sandwich by adding a scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream between two cookies—this makes for a refreshing treat on warm days.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some finely chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, on top of the glaze before it sets. This adds not only texture but also a lovely visual appeal. Feel free to adjust the glaze’s consistency by adding more or less lemon juice, depending on your preference for thickness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus instead of lemon?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to three months. Just thaw and glaze them when you're ready to enjoy.

→ Can I use less sugar in the recipe?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies.