When life gives you lemons, make Zesty Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies! These aren't just any sugar cookies; they're a burst of sunshine in every bite, combining the classic comfort of a soft, buttery cookie with a bright, tangy lemon twist. Perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or simply brightening a gloomy day, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
We all love a good sugar cookie, but sometimes you crave something a little extra special. That's where the magic of fresh lemon zest and a simple, sweet-tart glaze comes in. The delicate balance of sweet and tangy makes these cookies incredibly addictive and refreshingly different from your everyday treat.
Why You'll Love These Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lemon zest in the dough and lemon juice in the glaze create an irresistible citrusy punch.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft, chewy, and tender, never dry or crumbly.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, celebrations, or a simple afternoon treat.
Tips for Baking the Best Lemon Sugar Cookies
Achieving that perfect sugar cookie isn't hard, but a few pointers can make all the difference:
Don't Skip the Chill Time
Chilling your cookie dough is absolutely crucial. It helps the butter firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or more is even better.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice
For the brightest and most authentic lemon flavor, always opt for fresh lemons. The zest contains essential oils that impart a wonderful aroma and taste to your cookies, far superior to any artificial flavoring.
Avoid Overmixing Your Dough
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. We want tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Watch Your Baking Time
Sugar cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly. Keep an eye on them. They should be lightly golden at the edges and just set in the center. If you're unsure how to tell when your cookies are perfectly baked, check out this helpful guide on Allrecipes for tips on cookie doneness.
Ready to Bake Some Sunshine?
Gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most delightful lemon aroma. These Zesty Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert; they're a mood booster, a little piece of edible joy. Let's get baking!
FAQs
How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting is crucial for preventing spread. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough, which can develop too much gluten.
Can I make these lemon sugar cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Baked, unglazed cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or frozen for up to 3 months. Glaze them just before serving for the freshest taste.
What's the best way to get a perfectly smooth lemon glaze?
For a lump-free glaze, always sift your powdered sugar before combining it with lemon juice. Add the lemon juice gradually, a teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition until you achieve your desired smooth consistency. A little extra zest can be added for flavor and visual appeal.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice and zest offer the most vibrant and authentic flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used for the glaze if fresh is unavailable. However, for the cookie dough itself, fresh lemon zest is highly recommended as it provides an incomparable aromatic and tangy essence that bottled juice cannot replicate.
Zesty Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 24-30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brighten your day with these delightful Zesty Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery cookie base infused with fresh lemon zest, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze.
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft.
Step 5: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to firm up.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters.
Step 8: Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake.
Step 10: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: While cookies cool, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time if a thinner consistency is desired.
Step 12: Once cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the lemon glaze or spread the glaze with a small offset spatula. Let the glazed cookies set on a wire rack over parchment paper before serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add a tiny pinch of lemon extract to the cookie dough or glaze. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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