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To make glazed lemon sugar cookies, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (from about 2 lemons) - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for the glaze) - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (for the glaze) - Optional: Lemon slices and additional lemon zest for garnish Measuring ingredients correctly is key. Use a dry measuring cup for flour. Spoon flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. For butter, it should be soft but not melted. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter instead. You can swap the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan version. If you run out of lemon, lime juice works too, but it will change the flavor a bit. These cookies burst with bright lemon flavor. The fresh zest and juice give a tangy taste that balances the sweetness. The glaze adds a sweet, tart finish. This recipe is perfect for brightening up your day. Plus, lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is great for your health. Enjoy these cookies with tea or coffee for a delightful treat! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cookies from sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mix aside for later. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes. The mix should be light and fluffy. Next, add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined well. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Do this on low speed to avoid overmixing. Once combined, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough onto the baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while the centers stay soft. They will firm up as they cool. Once cookies cool, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over each cookie. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this. If you like, add small lemon slices or lemon zest while the glaze is wet. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes. Enjoy your beautiful glazed lemon sugar cookies! For the full recipe, check out the details. To make the best glazed lemon sugar cookies, start with soft butter. This helps give your cookies a light texture. Use fresh lemon juice and zest. This gives your cookies a bright, zesty flavor. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape. Make the glaze while the cookies cool. Mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to stay on the cookies. Drizzle the glaze right after the cookies cool. This helps it stick better. For a fun touch, add lemon zest or slices on top of the glaze. Don't overmix the dough. This can make your cookies tough. Watch the baking time closely. Overbaking will lead to dry cookies. Let the cookies cool completely before glazing. If they are warm, the glaze will melt off. Lastly, use a cookie scoop for even sizes. This ensures all cookies bake evenly. {{image_4}} You can play with different glazes and flavors to make your cookies unique. For a sweeter twist, try a vanilla glaze. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract. For a berry kick, use raspberry or strawberry puree in the glaze. You can even add a hint of lavender for a floral touch. Mixing spices like cinnamon or cardamom into the dough can also create a fun flavor profile. If you need to swap ingredients, you have options. For a lighter cookie, use coconut oil instead of butter. If you want a different sweetener, try brown sugar or maple syrup. You can also use almond flour or oat flour if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just remember, different flours may change the cookie texture a bit, so keep that in mind when baking. Making these cookies gluten-free is easy. Simply use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. For a vegan version, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can use plant-based butter to replace regular butter as well. These adjustments keep the cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs. Check the Full Recipe for more details! To keep your glazed lemon sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the cookies at room temperature for best taste. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as these can make the cookies lose their charm. You can freeze these cookies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. You can freeze the cookies for up to three months. When stored properly, these cookies last about a week at room temperature. If frozen, they can stay fresh for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your cookies while they are fresh for the best flavor and texture. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. To make lemon sugar cookies without glaze, simply skip the glaze step. After baking, let the cookies cool. You can enjoy them plain or add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a sweet touch. The cookies will still have a bright lemon flavor from the zest and juice. Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for lemon zest. Use about 1 teaspoon of lemon extract in place of the zest. However, fresh zest gives a brighter flavor and aroma. If possible, use both for a more intense citrus taste. If your cookies turn out too dry, check your ingredient measurements. Make sure you used the correct amount of butter and sugar. You can also try adding a bit more lemon juice next time. This will add moisture and improve the texture. To keep your cookies soft, don’t overbake them. Pull them out when the edges are just golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool. Also, store the cookies in an airtight container after they cool. This will help maintain their softness. Now you have all the tools to bake delicious glazed lemon sugar cookies. We looked at the ingredients, measurements, and flavor benefits. You learned step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and common mistakes. We also explored variations and dietary swaps to fit your needs. Baking cookies can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy sharing them with others or savoring them yourself! With these tips, you can create perfect cookies every time. Happy baking!

- Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

Experience a sweet burst of flavor with these Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies! This easy and delicious recipe takes you step-by-step from gathering fresh ingredients to glazing your perfect cookies. With a bright lemon flavor balanced by sweetness, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress your guests or indulge yourself?
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Ingredients
  

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (for the glaze)

Optional: Lemon slices and additional lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.

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

        Incorporate Egg and Flavors: Add the large egg, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Continue to beat the mixture until all ingredients are fully combined, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix in the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using low speed on your mixer. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing.

            Shape the Cookies: With a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure you space each cookie about 2 inches apart for even baking.

              Bake the Cookies: Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye out for lightly golden edges—while the centers may appear slightly soft, they will firm up as the cookies cool.

                Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, you can make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and the fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and pourable.

                  Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over each cookie. You may use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative touch.

                    Garnish: Optional: While the glaze is still wet, you can add decorative touches such as small lemon slices or additional lemon zest. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the glazed cookies on a beautiful serving platter. For a burst of color, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or can be enjoyed as a delightful treat any time of the day!