Sharing is caring!
Welcome, cookie lovers! Are you in search of a dessert that blends the perfect balance of zesty and sweet? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re sharing the secret to making Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies, the ultimate soft and fluffy treat that brings a burst of lemony goodness to every bite. Whether you’re a fan of lemon desserts or simply looking for a new cookie recipe to try, these lemon-glazed wonders will quickly become a favorite in your recipe book.
Introduction: What Makes Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies So Special?
These Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies are not your typical cookie recipe—they stand out for their pillowy texture and refreshing citrus flavor. Originating from a tradition of soft-baked treats, this recipe takes inspiration from classic lemon desserts and adds a unique twist. What makes these cookies irresistible is their melt-in-your-mouth consistency, paired with a tangy lemon glaze that enhances their flavor. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional lemon squares or lemon pound cake, these soft cookies offer a fresh take on the beloved lemon dessert. Plus, the vibrant glaze adds a touch of elegance, making these cookies ideal for entertaining or gifting. If you’re ready to experience lemon cookies like never before, let’s get started with the ingredients.
Ingredients for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cookie Dough Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (grated from an organic lemon for enhanced citrus flavor)
Lemon Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp milk (optional for a thinner consistency)
Substitutions:
- You can substitute gluten-free flour if you are sensitive to gluten.
- Swap out regular butter for vegan butter to make these cookies dairy-free.
- For a lower sugar option, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar.
How to Make Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies – Step by Step
Let’s break down how to make these Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies from scratch. This step-by-step guide ensures perfect results every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure the cookies bake up soft and light.
3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the soft texture of the cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and fragrant.
5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cookies to become dense.
6: Drop the Dough
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking will result in crispy edges rather than soft centers.
8: Prepare the Glaze
- While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, skip the milk; for a thinner consistency, add an extra teaspoon of milk.
9: Glaze the Cookies
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over each one. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies
To ensure your Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated zest will give your cookies a bright and tangy flavor that bottled juice just can’t replicate.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing will result in dense cookies instead of soft, fluffy ones.
- Chill the dough for thicker cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies
Here are some additional cooking tips and hacks to help you achieve the best results when making these lemon cookies:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the dough come together smoothly and evenly.
- Zest before you juice: Always zest your lemon before juicing it. It’s much easier to remove the zest when the lemon is whole.
- Cooling racks: After removing the cookies from the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and ensures even cooling.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies
These Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Afternoon Tea: Pair these cookies with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated snack.
- Dessert Platter: Serve them alongside other citrus-flavored desserts like Lemon Bars or Orange Creamsicle Cake for a refreshing spread.
- Gift Idea: Wrap them in a decorative tin and gift them to friends and family. The bright lemon flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
For an extra touch of decadence, serve these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies
While these cookies are certainly a treat, it’s always helpful to know their nutritional value:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that the glaze adds a bit of extra sugar, so you can adjust the amount of glaze depending on your preference.
Storage and Leftovers for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies
If you have any leftover cookies (though we doubt you will), here’s how to store them properly:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will keep them soft and prevent them from drying out.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer chilled cookies, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies (unglazed) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
Reheating is simple—just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their softness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies
Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
A: While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, we recommend fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Fresh lemons provide a brighter, more natural taste.
Q2: How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A: You can make these cookies dairy-free by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or margarine. The results will be just as delicious!
Q3: Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
A: Absolutely! This recipe doubles well, making it perfect for sharing at parties or events. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if you’re baking multiple sheets at once.
Q4: What can I use instead of lemon zest if I don’t have fresh lemons?
A: If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use lemon extract in place of lemon zest, though the flavor may be slightly less intense.
Related Recipes for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookie Lovers
If you loved this recipe, check out these similar cookie recipes:
Both of these recipes feature the same vibrant lemon flavor and are perfect for any lemon lover’s collection.
Conclusion: Try These Irresistible Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies Today!
We hope this recipe for Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies has inspired you to get into the kitchen and bake up a batch of these tangy, soft delights. With their fluffy texture and zesty lemon glaze, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to share your results with us—tag us on social media and let us know how your cookies turned out! Whether you followed the recipe exactly or added your own twist, we’d love to hear from you.
Enjoy your baking, and happy cookie-making!
PrintLemon Glazed Soft Cookies – Irresistibly Fluffy & Zesty
- Author: Patricia
Description
Welcome, cookie lovers! Are you in search of a dessert that blends the perfect balance of zesty and sweet? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re sharing the secret to making Lemon Glazed Soft Cookies, the ultimate soft and fluffy treat that brings a burst of lemony goodness to every bite. Whether you’re a fan of lemon desserts or simply looking for a new cookie recipe to try, these lemon-glazed wonders will quickly become a favorite in your recipe book.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (grated from an organic lemon for enhanced citrus flavor)
Lemon Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp milk (optional for a thinner consistency)
Substitutions:
- You can substitute gluten-free flour if you are sensitive to gluten.
- Swap out regular butter for vegan butter to make these cookies dairy-free.
- For a lower sugar option, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure the cookies bake up soft and light.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the soft texture of the cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cookies to become dense.
Step 6: Drop the Dough
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking will result in crispy edges rather than soft centers.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
- While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, skip the milk; for a thinner consistency, add an extra teaspoon of milk.
Step 9: Glaze the Cookies
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over each one. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated zest will give your cookies a bright and tangy flavor that bottled juice just can’t replicate.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing will result in dense cookies instead of soft, fluffy ones.
- Chill the dough for thicker cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.