Lemon Glazed Soft Sugar Cookies

There’s something wonderfully cheerful about a soft sugar cookie flavored with fresh lemon. These Lemon Glazed Soft Sugar Cookies are tender in the center, lightly golden around the edges, and finished with a smooth lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and citrus brightness.

Unlike crisp sugar cookies, these stay soft and delicate after baking. Fresh lemon zest gives the dough a fragrant citrus flavor, while a simple lemon glaze melts into the tops of the cookies, creating a sweet-tart finish. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, spring gatherings, holidays, bake sales, or simply keeping a batch on hand when you want a homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cookies

• Soft and tender: The cookies have a delicate, cake-like softness rather than a crunchy texture.
• Fresh lemon flavor: Both lemon zest and juice give the cookies a bright citrus taste.
• Easy glaze: The lemon glaze comes together in just a few minutes.
• No complicated decorating: A simple drizzle or spoonful of glaze is all these cookies need.
• Great for make-ahead baking: The baked cookies can be stored for several days.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
• 1–2 teaspoons milk, only if needed to thin the glaze

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and also makes cleanup much easier.

Before beginning the dough, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Softened butter will cream properly with the sugar, helping create a light and tender cookie.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix everything thoroughly so the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl.

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, smooth, and fluffy.

This step is important because incorporating air into the butter helps give the finished cookies their soft texture.

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