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–+ servings
Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

The Crispy Chef
Soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, these glazed lemon sugar cookies are the perfect treat for any season. With a zesty glaze and a tender texture, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Spoon (for glazing)

Ingredients
  

  • Cookies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest from 2-3 lemons
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional: Extra granulated sugar for rolling
  • Glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 –2 tsp milk or cream adjust for consistency

Instructions
 

  • Step 1 – Prep & Wet Mix:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  • Mix in egg until well combined.
  • Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix (it's okay if it looks curdled).
  • Step 2 – Dry Ingredients:
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mix. Mix until just combined.
  • Dough should be soft but hold together. If sticky, chill for 30 minutes.
  • Step 3 – Shape & Bake:
  • Scoop 1.5" balls (about 2 tbsp dough).
  • Roll in sugar (optional) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  • Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes.
  • Let cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to rack.
  • Step 4 – Make Glaze:
  • Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
  • Add milk 1 tsp at a time until pourable.
  • Step 5 – Glaze:
  • Once cookies are cool, spoon or drizzle glaze over top.
  • Let set for at least 1 hour before stacking/storing.

Notes

For stronger lemon flavor, rub zest into sugar before mixing.
Dough can be made ahead and chilled.
Try variations like Lemon Blueberry, Lemon Coconut, or Lemon Poppyseed.
Glazed cookies are best stored with parchment between layers.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1.5gFat: 6.5g
Keyword glazed cookies, lemon sugar cookies
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