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Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies with Creamy Vanilla Glaze

soft lemon sugar cookies - featured image

These soft lemon sugar cookies are tender and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a luscious creamy vanilla glaze. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a bright, comforting treat that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 2 medium lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole milk or 2%)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden but centers remain soft. Do not overbake.
  8. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely before glazing.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency as needed.
  10. Spread or drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

If dough is too sticky when shaping, chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Do not overbake cookies; they will firm up as they cool. Glaze only after cookies have completely cooled to prevent melting. Fresh lemon zest and juice are essential for bright flavor. Use an oven thermometer for best baking results.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, soft cookies, vanilla glaze, lemon zest, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, lemon dessert