Lemon Sugar Cookies Pastel Glaze (Print Version)

Lemon-infused sugar cookies with pastel glaze bring fresh flavor and color to festive spring occasions.

# What to Use:

→ Cookies

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Glaze

10 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 - Pastel food coloring: pink, blue, yellow, or green

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto preparation baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - In a bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, milk, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
09 - Divide glaze among small bowls and tint each portion with a drop of pastel food coloring.
10 - Dip fully cooled cookies into the glaze or drizzle glaze over each. Allow glaze to set for at least 20 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tangy lemon glaze gives each bite a fresh pop that feels like eating springtime.
  • They stay perfectly tender for days, so you can sneak one for breakfast, dessert, or whenever you need a little treat.
02 -
  • I once rushed the cooling step and the glaze refused to set – patience is key, or you end up with sticky hands.
  • Using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled makes the cookies sparkle with flavor.
03 -
  • Refrigerate the dough before baking for thicker, softer cookies.
  • Adding edible flowers or sprinkles on top transforms them into party-ready treats.
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