Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies with Glaze

If you love bright, citrusy flavors, these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies will be your new favorite treat! Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies are light, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a soft, chewy texture. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they deliver the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.

These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a springtime dessert, a holiday treat, or just a refreshing snack.

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Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cookies

✅ Soft & Chewy – A light, delicate texture with a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
✅ Bright & Refreshing – Bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for spring, summer, holidays, or afternoon tea.
✅ Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
✅ Glazed for Extra Sweetness – The lemon glaze adds an irresistible tangy touch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lemon Cookies

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set aside.

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Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
• Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

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Step 4: Combine & Chill the Dough

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes for best results (this helps the cookies hold their shape).

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Step 5: Shape & Bake

• Scoop 1 ½ tablespoon-sized dough balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden.
• Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

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Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

• Allow the glaze to set for 15 minutes, then enjoy these buttery, tangy, and sweet lemon cookies!

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Serving Ideas & Pairings

🍵 With Tea – Perfect with chamomile, Earl Grey, or green tea.
🍓 With Fresh Berries – Serve with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
☕ With Coffee – A great match for a light espresso or cappuccino.
🍨 With Ice Cream – Pair with vanilla bean or lemon sorbet for extra indulgence.

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Tips for the Best Lemon Cookies

🔹 Use Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest – Fresh citrus flavor makes a huge difference!
🔹 Chill the Dough – Helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
🔹 Don’t Overbake – Bake until the edges are set but still soft in the center.
🔹 Make Them Extra Tangy – Add ½ teaspoon of lemon extract for a stronger lemon flavor.
🔹 Glaze While Warm – It helps the glaze soak slightly into the cookies for extra flavor.

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Fun Variations to Try

🔥 Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies – Add 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for texture.
🥥 Coconut Lemon Cookies – Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
🍊 Citrus Blend Cookies – Mix in orange or lime zest for extra brightness.
🍫 White Chocolate Lemon Cookies – Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
🌿 Lavender Lemon Cookies – Add 1 teaspoon dried lavender for a floral touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I Freeze Lemon Cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months, or freeze the dough balls and bake fresh when needed.

Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice?

Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch! Just be sure to use pure lemon juice without additives.

How Do I Make These Vegan?

Substitute:

• Butter → Vegan butter or coconut oil
• Egg → Flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF-friendly version.

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Final Thoughts

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and tangy citrus flavors. Whether you’re making them for a spring picnic, afternoon tea, or just a simple homemade treat, they’re light, refreshing, and irresistible.

Try this easy lemon cookie recipe today and enjoy a burst of sunshine in every bite!

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