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- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Optional: Additional lemon zest for garnish When making glazed lemon sugar cookies, the balance of flavors matters. The dry ingredients create a sturdy base, while the wet ingredients add richness and flavor. The glaze gives that final touch of sweetness and brightness. I use fresh lemon zest to pack in that zesty flavor. It helps the cookies taste bright and fresh. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. This will help your cookies come out just right. For the glaze, using powdered sugar allows for a smooth finish. The glaze should be glossy and thick, yet easy to drizzle. If you're feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for a pop of color. Remember, the joy of baking is all about experimenting. You can find the full recipe to guide you through this tasty treat. Enjoy the process and the delightful lemony aroma that fills your kitchen! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. - Use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar together. - Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. - Scoop the dough and roll it into balls. - Place them on the baking sheets with space in between. - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. - Let them cool before glazing. I love this part! You see the cookies puffing up and turning golden. The smell fills your kitchen with lemony goodness. After they cool, you get to drizzle on the glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. It's the best part of making glazed lemon sugar cookies! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get the best texture in your cookies, do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft. Mix until just combined. The ideal baking time for soft centers is 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers look soft. They will firm up as they cool. For a smooth glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until it's glossy. Make sure your cookies are completely cool before glazing. If they are warm, the glaze will melt and not set right. Drizzle the glaze over each cookie with a spoon or a squeeze bottle for more control. For a beautiful display, stack the cookies on a tiered cake stand. You can also arrange them on a decorative plate. Adding a small lemon wedge or a sprig of mint next to each cookie makes the plate look fresh and colorful. A touch of extra lemon zest on top adds a nice finish and boosts the lemon flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your glazed lemon sugar cookies. Adding almond extract gives them a rich, nutty taste. Use just a teaspoon to start. It offers a lovely twist that pairs well with lemon. Another fun option is to infuse your cookies with lavender. Use culinary lavender buds, about one teaspoon, to bring a floral note. This adds a unique flavor that surprises and delights. If you need gluten-free cookies, you can swap the all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free flour blends that work well in cookie recipes. They can help keep the texture light and tasty. For those following a vegan diet, you can replace the butter and egg. Use a vegan butter or coconut oil for fat. For the egg, a flax egg works great. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens, then add it to your dough. Want to mix it up? You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. Dark chocolate chips bring a sweet contrast to the tart lemon. Instead of glaze, you can use fruity toppings. Try fresh berries or a fruit compote. These options give your cookies a new look and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your glazed lemon sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place a piece of bread inside the container to help keep the cookies soft. The ideal temperature for storage is at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. You can freeze unbaked cookie dough easily. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime! If you prefer to freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. You can enjoy them later, just thaw them at room temperature before serving. These cookies stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days when stored properly. Keep an eye out for signs of staleness. If they become hard or lose flavor, it's time to toss them. Enjoy your cookies while they're at their best! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To boost the lemon flavor, add more zest and juice. I suggest using 3 tablespoons of zest and 2 tablespoons of juice. The zest gives a strong lemon taste, while the juice adds brightness. You can also try using a mix of fresh and bottled lemon juice for a consistent flavor. Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps the flavors meld. For longer storage, freeze the dough for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. If lemon isn’t your thing, consider using orange or lime. For the glaze, swap lemon juice with fresh orange juice or lime juice. You can also use flavored extracts, like almond or vanilla, for a tasty twist. This guide shared all you need to make lemon sugar cookies from scratch. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for a perfect bake, and creative variations. You can enjoy soft, tasty cookies that impress. Don't be afraid to try new flavors or share them with friends. With these tips, your cookies will shine every time.

- Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the delight of Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies, a perfectly zesty treat that will brighten your day! With simple ingredients, you can create soft cookies topped with a smooth, tangy glaze that bursts with citrus flavor. Whether you're a baking novice or a pro, this easy recipe guarantees delicious results every time. Click through to explore the full recipe and bake a batch that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature)

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Optional: Additional lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended and set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

        Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the large egg, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can result in denser cookies.

            Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there's space between each ball for spreading during baking.

              Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn lightly golden while the centers may still look soft. They will continue to firm up once removed from the oven.

                Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

                  Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.

                    Garnish and Serve: For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of extra lemon zest over each glazed cookie before serving.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 24 cookies

                        - Presentation Tips: For an elegant display, stack the cookies on a tiered cake stand or arrange them on a decorative plate. Adding a small lemon wedge or a sprig of fresh mint next to each cookie can enhance freshness and add a pop of color. Enjoy your delightful zesty treat!