Spring Sugar Cookies With Lemon Glaze

Name: Spring Sugar Cookies With Lemon Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 lemon, zested; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Highlighted under: Home-Baked Happiness

I absolutely love making these Spring Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze during the vibrant, sunny days of spring. The moment I take them out of the oven, my kitchen fills with the sweet aroma that pairs beautifully with the fresh zest of lemon. These cookies not only look stunning, but they melt in your mouth with a soft texture that everyone adores. The drizzle of lemon glaze adds a perfect touch of brightness, transforming these cookies into cheerful sweets fit for any spring celebration or gathering.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-02-27T18:20:48.522Z

When I first baked these Spring Sugar Cookies, I wanted a treat that captured the essence of the season. The combination of sugar and fresh lemon zest creates a delightful balance that resonates with anyone taking a bite. I remember how my family couldn’t resist sneaking into the cookie jar before they even cooled!

I've found that chilling the dough for just a bit makes a significant difference in texture. It’s the secret to ensuring they hold their shape while baking. Plus, the lemon glaze on top truly elevates them, making each cookie a little burst of springtime on the palate.

Why You Will Love These Cookies
Delightful sweetness perfectly balanced with bright lemon flavor
Soft and chewy texture that appeals to all ages
Eye-catching design with a glossy lemon glaze

Mastering the Dough

The cookie dough for these Spring Sugar Cookies is quite forgiving, which makes it a great option for bakers of all skill levels. When combining the butter and sugar, ensure they're creamed together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The goal here is to incorporate air, resulting in a lighter texture once baked. Don’t skip the zesting step; the fresh lemon flavor truly elevates the final taste.

If you're looking to make the cookies in advance, you can chill the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes before baking. This not only helps enhance the flavor as it rests but also maintains their shape during baking.

Lemon Glaze Techniques

Creating the perfect lemon glaze is key to elevating your cookies. When mixing the powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest, start with the sugar and gradually add the lemon juice. This method allows you to control the glaze's thickness, achieving a smooth and pourable consistency. If it becomes too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a splash of lemon juice to lighten it up.

To achieve a beautiful drizzle effect, I recommend using a fork or a piping bag with a small tip for more control. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies while they’re on a wire rack, as this will allow any excess to drip off without pooling. For an extra touch, consider adding additional lemon zest on top of the glaze for an added pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make delightful cookies:

For the Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 lemon, zested
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

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

Now that you have everything ready, let’s start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your cookies:

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then stir in the lemon zest. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Make the Lemon Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze on top.

Your delicious cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the lemon glaze. It complements the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Variations

For those looking to mix things up, consider incorporating different citrus fruits into your glaze or cookie dough. Orange or lime zest can offer a delightful twist on the original lemon flavor. Additionally, you could experiment with flavor extracts, like almond or coconut, to add unique complexity to the dough itself.

These cookies also lend themselves well to decorative toppings. Try adding colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets, making your cookies eye-catching for spring gatherings or holiday parties.

Storage Tips

To keep your sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you plan to keep them for more than a few days, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to maintain their softness. These cookies can last for up to a week if stored properly.

If you want to prepare these cookies for later, consider freezing both the dough and the baked cookies. Frozen dough can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months; simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen, but make sure they are glazed only after thawing to maintain the glaze's texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container once solid. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for lemon juice?

You can use lime juice instead, but it will alter the flavor slightly.