Soft and Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect cookie that offers the best of both worlds—soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful chewy bite—you’re in for a treat. This Soft and Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe balances zesty lemon brightness with a sweet, tangy glaze that brings each bite to life. These cookies are not only wonderfully fragrant but also incredibly easy to make, giving you that fresh lemon flavor that feels like sunshine on a plate. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become your go-to whenever you crave something special yet simple to bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this recipe right is all about classic, straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously. Each plays a vital role in creating the soft, chewy texture and that unmistakable lemony zing.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookies, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the cookies soft and fluffy, but still chewy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
• ½ cup salted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cookies beautifully moist.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the lemon.
• 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients and give a lovely chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the lemon’s tartness.
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest: Bursts of pure lemon flavor right in every bite.
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Introduces tanginess to the dough for brightness.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the glossy, sweet glaze coating each cookie.
• 2-3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Combined with powdered sugar for a fresh, tart glaze.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: For stirring into the glaze to boost that lemon pop on top.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and ensure your cookies don’t stick. This simple prep sets you up for baking success.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combo forms the backbone of your dough, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents so every cookie bakes up absolutely perfect.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key—it aerates the mixture, leading to those irresistibly soft yet chewy cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. These bring moisture and depth to your dough, enriching the flavor profile while contributing to the perfect texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice

Now stir in your fresh lemon zest and lemon juice until just combined. This is where the magic happens, infusing your cookie dough with bright, zingy citrus notes that make this Soft and Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe stand out.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this helps maintain that tender, chewy texture that’s so crave-worthy.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto your prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives each cookie room to spread, ensuring perfectly sized, soft centers.

Step 8: Bake!

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the bottoms turn lightly golden and the centers just set. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose that soft and chewy quality that defines this recipe.

Step 9: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze is the crowning glory, adding a glossy, zesty finish.

Step 10: Glaze and Garnish

Once your cookies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over each cookie. For added flair, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top. This brightens the look and amplifies the lemon punch.

Step 11: Let the Glaze Set

Allow the glaze to firm up for a few minutes before serving. This lets it create a delicate, sparkling shell that perfectly complements the soft cookie underneath.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing beats the fresh appeal of a little extra lemon zest sprinkled on top of the glaze. You can also add a few edible flower petals, like violet or lavender, for a charming, elegant touch that makes these cookies feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair these lemon cookies with a cup of hot tea, especially green tea or chamomile, to balance the sweetness and citrus zing. They also make a fantastic foil for creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the glazed cookies in a pretty jar or on a tiered dessert stand for a gorgeous presentation at your next gathering. Wrapping a few individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes adorable edible gifts perfect for sharing this delightful recipe with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy while preserving the tangy glaze on top.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze unglazed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze them layered with parchment paper in an airtight container.

Reheating

To bring back that “fresh-from-the-oven” feeling, warm your cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the glaze intact and the cookies soft and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon?

While fresh lemon juice and zest provide the brightest, most natural flavor, you can substitute lemon extract in a pinch. Use about half the amount of extract because it is more concentrated, but keep in mind the taste won’t be as fresh or vibrant.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft and chewy?

The key is not to overbake them. Take the cookies out when the centers are just set and the bottoms are lightly golden. Also, using softened butter and including both eggs and a bit of baking powder helps strike that perfect texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right texture.

What if I don’t want to make the glaze?

These cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze! However, the glaze adds a lovely sweet-tart finish that perfectly complements their softness. If skipping it, consider dusting with powdered sugar for a simple touch of sweetness.

Why does the glaze sometimes get too runny?

Glaze consistency depends on the amount of lemon juice you add. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually only if needed. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens to a drizzle-able consistency.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly satisfying about baking and sharing this Soft and Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe. The bright, tangy lemon combined with the tender, chewy texture creates an irresistible cookie that’s sure to brighten your day. Whether for a special occasion or a simple afternoon treat, these cookies bring joy with every bite. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll be smiling by the first lemony, glazed mouthful.

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