Spring Sugar Cookies With Lemon Glaze

Name: Spring Sugar Cookies With Lemon Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Highlighted under: Home-Baked Happiness

I love baking these Spring Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze during the warmer months when fresh citrus flavors are just so uplifting. These cookies are not only soft and chewy, but they also have a delightful lemony zing that brightens up any occasion. The glaze adds a perfect sweet and tart finish that complements the buttery cookie base, making them a favorite among friends and family. Whether it's for a spring gathering or simply a sunny afternoon treat, these cookies will definitely bring a smile to your face.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-02-27T18:25:35.733Z

Baking these Spring Sugar Cookies was a delightful journey. I experimented with balancing the sweetness of the cookie dough with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and zest. The result was a harmonious cookie that wasn't overly sweet, making it perfect for spring gatherings.

The real trick I discovered was allowing the glaze to set properly before serving; it enhances the flavor profile and gives the cookies a beautiful finish. Each bite is a reminder of why I love springtime baking!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright citrus flavor that invigorates your senses
Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
Beautifully glazed for a stunning presentation

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Spring Sugar Cookies plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the baking soda and baking powder contribute to the cookies’ leavening, ensuring they rise nicely without becoming too dense. A good quality unsalted butter is important here, as it not only impacts the richness of the cookies but also affects the final texture. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature, which helps in creating a creamy mixture when combined with the sugar.

White sugar not only sweetens but also helps create that lovely chewy texture. For brightness, lemon zest is essential; it infuses the cookies with a refreshing citrus aroma and occasional notes of tartness that complement the sweet glaze. If you're short on lemon, orange zest also works beautifully, providing a different citrus flavor while still enhancing the cookie's taste.

Baking Technique Tips

When shaping the cookies, remember that how you form the dough can affect baking. Rolling them into uniform balls ensures even baking, while flattening them slightly promotes an optimal spread and ensures they don’t turn out too thick. I typically use a cookie scoop for consistency, which also minimizes the mess. If your dough seems too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which makes it easier to shape without compromising the texture.

Monitoring the baking time is crucial. Bake the cookies until they have a light golden edge – they'll continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Too long in the oven will yield a brittle cookie, whereas under-baking will result in a doughy center. Allowing the cookies to set on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them firm up and makes gripping them easier for glazing.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Spring Sugar Cookies With Lemon Glaze

Cookies

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

Lemon Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Gather all of your ingredients and get ready to bake!

Instructions

Steps to Make Spring Sugar Cookies With Lemon Glaze

Prepare the Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

Shape the Cookies

Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly to help them spread well during baking.

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks.

Make the Glaze

In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Let the glaze set for at least 10 minutes before serving for maximum flavor!

Pro Tips

For added lemon flavor, feel free to add more zest into the cookie dough. Also, if you prefer softer cookies, take them out of the oven just as they start to turn golden.

Making the Lemon Glaze

The glaze offers a delightful contrast to the sweet cookie base, with its tartness enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you find the glaze too thick, a bit of extra lemon juice can thin it down to your desired consistency. I suggest starting with the recipe's measurements, then adjusting based on your preference. A well-made glaze should be smooth and drizzle easily over the cookies; if it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar to regain thickness.

After drizzling, let the glaze set for about 15-30 minutes. This will ensure it hardens slightly, giving the cookies a nice finish. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a bit of additional lemon zest on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation before the glaze sets.

Storing and Serving

These cookies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. Thaw them at room temperature before serving, and if you plan to store them with glaze, do so only after the glaze has fully set.

Spring Sugar Cookies are perfect for gatherings, but they also shine on their own as a simple afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun variation, try adding sprinkles or edible flowers on the glaze for an extra festive touch, especially for spring celebrations or holidays. You can even experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or coconut, to create your unique twist on the classic cookie.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw and glaze before serving.

→ What other flavors can I add?

You can experiment with different citrus zest or even add a hint of almond extract for a unique twist.