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Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies with Zesty Glaze

A stack of bright yellow, crackled Lemon Cookies topped with a white glaze, resting on a white plate.
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Make these soft lemon crinkle cookies for a bright and zesty treat perfect for Mother’s Day gifting. The tart lemon glaze melts in your mouth, giving these artisanal cookies a professional look.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup for rolling
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is important for texture.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish.
  9. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them lightly in the sugar, and then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
  10. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. To make the easy lemon glaze for cookies, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or lemon juice, a drop at a time, to reach a thick, drizzly consistency.
  13. Once cookies are cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set before packaging your homemade Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest; bottled zest does not provide the same authentic taste.
  • If you want a more pronounced crinkle effect, roll the chilled dough balls first in granulated sugar, then lightly in powdered sugar before baking.
  • These cookies freeze well before glazing. Store frozen cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/lemon-cookies-melt-in-mouth-zesty-glaze/