These Lemon Cookies are a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. Soft, buttery, and tangy, these cookies are topped with a sweet lemon glaze that perfectly complements their zesty flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a sweet treat, they’re sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and these cookies have the ideal texture — soft in the center with slightly crisp edges. The homemade lemon frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes these cookies irresistible. They’re quick to make, and the lemon flavor is refreshing, making them perfect for any time of year. Lemon Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup butter (room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup confectioners sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ tablespoon lemon zest
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

1 cup confectioners sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, confectioners sugar, egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest using a mixer until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.

Chill the Dough:

Chill the dough in the fridge for 1 hour to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Shape and Bake:

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing each one down lightly to flatten slightly.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Frosting:

While the cookies cool, whisk together the ingredients for the frosting (confectioners sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice) until smooth.

Frost the Cookies:

Once the cookies have cooled, frost them using a knife or by dipping the top of each cookie into the frosting.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Notes

Leftovers:

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer to store them un-frosted, you can add the frosting just before serving.

Make Ahead:

You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just shape the cookies and bake them when you’re ready.

Tips:

Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
Feel free to add more lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor if you like.
For a more decadent treat, you can add white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting.

Variations

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add 1-2 teaspoons of poppy seeds to the dough for an extra texture and flavor twist.
Glazed Lemon Cookies: If you prefer a more glaze-like frosting, reduce the amount of confectioners sugar for a thinner consistency.
Lemon and Blueberry Cookies: Add a handful of fresh or dried blueberries to the dough for a fruity variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can slightly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for lemon juice, but the flavor won’t be as fresh and bright as using the juice and zest from fresh lemons.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just shape the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake as directed when you’re ready to bake them.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should have golden edges and be firm to the touch. If they look slightly soft in the center, they’re still cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own without frosting, especially if you prefer a lighter treat. The frosting adds an extra sweetness, but the cookies stand well on their own.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the bright flavor of lemon with the creamy texture of frosting. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, they are sure to please everyone with their zesty flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Enjoy these cookies as a refreshing, citrusy indulgence anytime!