Prepare to fall in love with these extraordinary Sweet Glazed Lemon Cookies! From the very first bite, you’ll discover a taste of pure heaven. These aren’t just delicious; they boast an incredibly soft, chewy texture that sets them apart, making them an instant favorite for anyone who craves a bright, zesty treat. Perfect for brightening any day, these lemon-infused delights are a refreshing escape, offering a burst of sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re a devoted fan of citrus desserts or simply looking for a new cookie recipe to adore, these glazed lemon cookies are guaranteed to impress with their balanced sweetness and delightful tang.
Bake the Best Easy Lemon Cookies Recipe at Home
In recent years, the cookie delivery service industry has boomed, especially in places like Utah, where you can order warm, gooey, fresh-baked deliciousness right to your doorstep with minimal effort. While many companies offer fantastic cookies, few are doing something quite as special and impactful as the creators of these Sweet Glazed Lemon Cookies.
Goodly Cookies isn’t just a cookie delivery company; it’s a mission-driven enterprise that warms hearts as much as it fills bellies. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to giving back: a portion of every cookie sale goes directly to the Huntsman Cancer Center. This dedication to making a difference is deeply rooted in the founders’ personal experiences. It’s not just about indulging in a sweet treat; it’s about contributing to a vital cause with every purchase. This inspiring philanthropic model, combined with their undeniably delicious cookies, quickly made them our favorite cookie delivery service in Utah – and trust us, we’ve sampled them all!
Just imagine biting into one of these vibrant lemon cookies. Are your taste buds tingling yet?
Cade and I have always believed that our platform comes with a responsibility to do good, and we actively seek out brands that share this ethos. Goodly Cookies perfectly embodies this spirit, and their story is truly compelling.
Directly from their website, their powerful mission statement reads:
“One of our founders was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer at too young an age. In a hospital bed, on a thoughtful night, a decision was made that something ought to be done to make a difference somehow and some way. When Goodly Cookies was born, it seemed like a perfect fit that a portion of each cookie should go towards fighting this terrible disease. This is why 1 percent of every cookie we sell will go towards the fight against cancer. So go ahead, eat up and order another, because with each delicious bite you are making the world a goodlier place.”
So, you mean you can savor warm, delicious cookies and contribute to a meaningful cause without ever leaving your home? Yes, absolutely! It’s a win-win situation that makes every indulgence feel even better.
For those of you not residing in Utah, fear not! We’ve got you completely covered with this incredible homemade glazed lemon cookie recipe, so you can enjoy the same delightful experience from your own kitchen. This past summer, we were thrilled to team up with Goodly Cookies to craft this very recipe, celebrating the sunny days with a fresh, zesty new cookie. It’s a beautifully glazed lemon cookie, and you have the option to add white chocolate chips for an extra layer of creamy sweetness, or keep it pure and simple, letting the vibrant lemon flavor shine on its own.
These homemade glazed lemon cookies are renowned for their substantial, chewy texture and an incredibly intense lemon flavor that truly awakens the senses. But the star of the show, in our opinion, is that luscious homemade lemon glaze! It’s an absolute essential, elevating these already delicious cookies to an unparalleled level of perfection. The glaze adds a beautiful sheen and a crucial layer of sweet-tart goodness that completes the entire experience.
Simple Lemon Cookies Ingredients for the Perfect Treat
Our goal was to make this lemon cookie recipe as straightforward and approachable as possible, resulting in a short yet powerful list of ingredients that yield outstanding results. Here’s what you’ll need to create these soft and chewy lemon cookies:
- Unsalted butter: Essential for richness and tender texture.
- Cream cheese: Our secret ingredient for an extra soft and wonderfully chewy bite.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness and aids in spread.
- Lemon zest: The true powerhouse of lemon flavor!
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- All-purpose flour: The base for our cookie dough.
- Cornstarch: Contributes to that desirable soft and chewy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve their soft crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- White chocolate chips (optional): For a creamy counterpoint to the tart lemon.
And for the absolutely essential bright and tangy lemon cookie glaze, you’ll only need two simple ingredients:
- Powdered sugar: Forms the smooth, sweet base of the glaze.
- Lemon juice: Provides the vibrant tartness and liquid for the glaze.
The optional white chocolate chips introduce an amazing creamy richness to these easy lemon cookies, creating a beautiful balance between the bright lemon notes and the sweetly tart glaze. However, sometimes the pure, unadulterated flavor of lemon is exactly what you crave. So, whether you’re in the mood for the delightful addition of white chocolate or prefer a straightforward lemon cookie, these sweet glazed lemon cookies are incredibly versatile and are sure to satisfy your craving for a truly perfect citrus treat.
How to Make Glazed Lemon Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these glazed lemon cookies is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding! Follow these basic steps to bake a batch of homemade lemon cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor:
- **Cream the Fats:** In a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. This step is crucial for the cookie’s tender texture.
- **Add Sugars:** Incorporate both the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the creamed butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until everything is well combined and aerated.
- **Wet Ingredients:** Mix in the fresh lemon zest and the egg, beating until they are fully incorporated into the mixture. The lemon zest is key for maximizing that bright lemon flavor.
- **Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- **Combine & Mix-ins:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, then fold in the white chocolate chips if using. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- **Scoop & Bake:** Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking trays lined with Silpat mats or parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
- **Glaze Immediately:** Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for just a minute or two. While still slightly warm, brush each cookie generously with the prepared lemon glaze.
While it might seem counterintuitive for a cookie, I actually prefer lemon cookies once they’ve had a chance to cool slightly, unlike a warm chocolate chip cookie. Allowing them to rest allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to set beautifully, creating that perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Lemon Glaze
This vibrant lemon glaze, a crucial component of our sweet glazed lemon cookies, is incredibly easy to prepare. The key is finding your preferred consistency. Simply combine powdered sugar in a bowl with the fresh juice from the lemon you zested for the cookie dough.
Whisk these two ingredients together until perfectly smooth. You can then adjust the consistency to your liking by adding a tiny bit more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or a little more powdered sugar for a thicker one. Aim for a consistency similar to heavy cream – thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable, and definitely not as thin as milk. This will ensure a beautiful, even coating on your cookies.
Expert Tips & FAQs for Your Best Lemon Cookies Yet
To ensure your sweet glazed lemon cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are answers to some common questions and a few extra pro tips:
Is There a Cream Cheese Substitute I Can Use in Lemon Cookies?
We intentionally included cream cheese in this lemon cookie recipe to give them an exceptional softness and chewiness. Unlike butter, cream cheese doesn’t melt down as much during baking, which provides an extra “oomph” to the cookie’s structure and texture. The best part? You won’t taste the cream cheese at all; it simply works its magic behind the scenes. While cream cheese is usually a staple in our kitchen, if you happen to be out, you can absolutely substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter. Just remember that for optimal mixing, both the butter and cream cheese (or the substitute butter) should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, uniform dough.
Can I Make These With Another Citrus Fruit?
While we’ve only developed and tested this recipe specifically for lemon cookies, the principles of citrus baking are quite versatile. I believe using other citrus fruits like orange, lime, or even grapefruit could yield delicious results! However, you might need to adjust the amount of zest to suit the intensity and flavor profile of the chosen fruit. For instance, limes are generally more tart than lemons, while oranges are sweeter, so you might use a bit more lime zest or less orange zest, depending on your desired outcome. Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite citrus cookie!
Should I Chill the Lemon Cookie Dough?
Nope, there’s no need to chill this particular lemon cookie dough. These cookies are designed to hold their shape beautifully in the oven and won’t spread excessively, saving you valuable time in the kitchen without compromising on texture or appearance. This makes our easy lemon cookie recipe even quicker to whip up when a craving strikes!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to the Lemon Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! Several readers have suggested adding dried blueberries to the lemon cookie dough, and that sounds like an absolutely divine combination. The tartness of the blueberries would complement the lemon beautifully. You could also consider poppy seeds for a classic lemon-poppy seed twist, or finely chopped pistachios for a lovely texture and subtle nutty flavor. When experimenting, just remember one important rule: any extra mix-ins you add to these lemon cookies should be dry (like dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips) and not wet (such as fresh berries, which can introduce too much moisture and alter the dough’s consistency). If you discover any other fantastic flavor pairings with lemon, please share them in the comments below – we’d love to hear your creative ideas!
Can I Freeze Baked Glazed Lemon Cookies?
Yes, these baked lemon cookies freeze wonderfully! You can freeze them either with or without the glaze. If you choose to freeze them after they’ve been glazed, it’s a good idea to place a small piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each cookie layer. This simple step will prevent them from sticking together, making it much easier to grab just one or two when a craving hits. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them for a fresh-baked feel.
Can I Freeze Lemon Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic way to prepare ahead for future baking sessions. After scooping the lemon cookie dough into individual portions, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or an airtight, freezer-safe container. The dough will keep fresh in the freezer for up to 4 weeks. When you’re ready to bake, you can place the frozen cookie dough directly onto your prepared baking trays. Just note that these frozen lemon cookies may require an extra minute or two in the oven compared to fresh dough to bake through completely.
More Essential Tips for Making the Best Glazed Lemon Cookies
To truly infuse these sweet glazed lemon cookies with an incredible depth of lemon flavor, focus on the zest, not just the juice. The natural oils in the lemon peel (the zest) contain significantly more aromatic compounds and intense flavor than the juice itself, and they won’t alter the cookie’s delicate texture. Don’t be shy; pile that zest in there to your heart’s content, depending on how robust you like your lemon flavor. We personally adore 2 tablespoons of zest for a wonderfully bright taste, but feel free to adjust this to suit your preferences.
When you’re making the homemade lemon icing for cookies, make sure to squeeze the lemon juice through a fine-mesh strainer or into your other hand to catch any errant seeds. This ensures your glaze remains perfectly smooth. For the best results, apply the glaze to the cookies after they’ve had a few minutes to cool down from the oven, but are still slightly warm. This allows the glaze to set beautifully, creating a perfect thin, crisp shell of tangy sweetness.
You can store these irresistible lemon cookies at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll remain wonderfully fresh and delicious for several days, providing a delightful treat whenever you need a little burst of sunshine!
We highly encourage you to visit Goodly Cookies and order their delicious Oh Sweet Lemon Cookies, and perhaps a few classic chocolate chip cookies – because who can resist a timeless favorite, especially when every purchase supports such an important cause! Alternatively, gather your ingredients and enjoy the rewarding experience of making these incredibly satisfying Sweet Glazed Lemon Cookies right in your own kitchen!
(All Goodly Cookies photos were expertly captured by Anna Cleveland. Be sure to explore her stunning Instagram portfolio!)
Sweet Glazed Lemon Cookies
Sweet Basil
10 minutes
30 minutes
20
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, (1 stick)
- 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, + 1 Tablespoon
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest, to taste – reserve juice for glaze!
- 1 Egg
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Corn Starch
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chips
GLAZE
- 1 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
-
Line baking sheets with silpat mats or parchment paper.
-
In a standing mixer, add the butter and cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy.
-
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat again until well combined.
-
Add the lemon zest and egg, and mix at medium speed until fully incorporated.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture along with the white chocolate chips (if using) and mix on low speed. Increase to medium speed until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
-
Scoop using acookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup onto the prepared pan.
-
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
-
Remove from the oven and cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then brush generously with the lemon glaze.
Lemon Glaze
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 179kcal,
Carbohydrates: 28g,
Protein: 2g,
Fat: 7g,
Saturated Fat: 4g,
Cholesterol: 23mg,
Sodium: 86mg,
Potassium: 39mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 18g,
Vitamin A: 173IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 19mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes You’ll Love:
If you’re a cookie enthusiast like us, you’re always on the hunt for new delightful recipes to try. After mastering these soft and chewy glazed lemon cookies, we invite you to explore more of our cherished cookie creations. Each recipe promises a unique flavor and texture, ensuring there’s a perfect cookie for every occasion and every craving. From rich chocolate delights to comforting spiced treats, get ready to expand your baking repertoire with these proven favorites:
- Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies
- NY Times BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Thick Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Million Dollar Cookies
- White Chocolate Molasses Cookies
- Nutella and Dulce de Leche Stuffed Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Lemon Drop Cookies
- Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- Copycat Swig Sugar Cookies
- Cowboy Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- All our COOKIE RECIPES here!
When you try any of our delicious recipes, we’d love to see your creations! Please use the hashtag #ohsweetbasil on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our stories!
FOLLOW OH, SWEET BASIL ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF OUR LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND STORIES.