Lemon Drop Cookies Recipe

Introduction

There is something undeniably joyful about lemon desserts. They feel bright, fresh, and uplifting in a way few other flavors can match. These Lemon Drop Cookies capture that exact feeling in cookie form. Soft, buttery, and delicately fragrant, they are infused with real lemon zest and juice, then finished with a sweet-tart lemon glaze that melts beautifully into every bite.

This recipe delivers cookies that are tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with citrus flavor without being overpowering. They are inspired by classic Italian-style lemon cookies but adapted into an easy, approachable recipe that home bakers of all skill levels can master. Whether you enjoy them plain or glazed, these cookies feel elegant yet comforting, making them perfect for everyday baking or special occasions.

Lemon drop cookies are ideal year-round. In spring and summer, they feel light and refreshing. In fall and winter, they bring a welcome brightness that cuts through heavier seasonal desserts. They are equally at home on a holiday cookie platter, at a baby shower, packed into a lunchbox, or served with an afternoon treat.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its balance. The lemon flavor is vibrant but smooth, never sharp or bitter. The cookie dough is simple, reliable, and forgiving. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the citrus. Best of all, the recipe uses straightforward ingredients and clear steps, making it a dependable go-to when you want a cookie that feels special without being complicated.

If you are looking for a lemon cookie recipe that is soft, fragrant, beautifully glazed, and consistently delicious, these lemon drop cookies deserve a spot in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, buttery texture with lightly golden edges
• Bright, fresh lemon flavor from real zest and juice
• Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow method
• Dough can be made ahead and chilled
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart
• Beautiful glazed finish that makes them bakery-worthy

Ingredients Breakdown

All ingredients and measurements are listed exactly as provided, with no changes, to ensure accuracy and consistent results. This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.

Lemon Drop Cookies

• 2¼ cups (270 g) all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 lemons, zested
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon lemon or vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

Lemon Glaze

• 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) lemon juice

Tools & Equipment Needed

Having the right tools ready will make the baking process smooth and efficient.

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment or electric hand mixer with beaters
• Zester
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 2 baking sheets
• 2 parchment paper sheets
• Small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon / 15 ml)
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps carefully for perfectly soft, evenly baked lemon drop cookies.

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Infuse the Sugar with Lemon Zest

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer with beaters, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. This step releases the natural oils from the lemon zest, intensifying the citrus flavor throughout the cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Lemon Sugar

Add the room temperature unsalted butter to the lemon sugar. Cream on medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the egg, lemon or vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling helps control spreading and improves texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Scoop the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop, scoop about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dough and place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies for 11 to 13 minutes, until the bottoms are very lightly golden brown. The tops should remain pale and soft.

Step 10: Cool

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and place them on a cooling rack. After 3 to 4 minutes, transfer the cookies off the hot baking sheets directly onto the cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a bowl, mix 1½ cups powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth and well combined. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Step 12: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, top each cookie with the lemon glaze. Allow the glaze to set before storing or serving.

Tips & Variations

Baking Tips

• Always zest lemons before juicing them
• Room temperature butter and egg ensure smooth mixing
• Do not overbake; pale cookies stay soft and tender

Variations Using the Same Base

• Leave the cookies unglazed for a lighter finish
• Add extra lemon zest for a more pronounced citrus aroma
• Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-free flour blends may work but are not tested here
• Dairy-free butter alternatives can be used, texture may vary

Flavor Profile & Texture

These lemon drop cookies are soft and buttery with a delicate crumb. The lemon zest provides fragrant citrus oils, while the lemon juice adds brightness without sharpness. The glaze enhances sweetness and gives the cookies a classic, elegant finish. Each bite is balanced, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy.

Nutritional Overview

While these cookies are meant to be enjoyed as a treat, here is a general nutritional estimate per cookie. Values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

• Calories: approximately 120
• Carbohydrates: moderate
• Fat: moderate
• Protein: low

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Dough can be prepared and chilled up to 24 hours in advance
• Baked cookies can be glazed the same day or the next day
• Store unglazed cookies first, glaze before serving for best appearance

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading and improves cookie texture.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes. The cookies are delicious plain, though the glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal.

Why mix lemon zest with sugar?

This technique releases essential oils from the zest, maximizing lemon flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The bottoms should be lightly golden while the tops remain pale.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Chill Time	30 minutes
Bake Time	11–13 minutes
Total Time	56 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on a platter with powdered sugar-dusted cookies
• Serve at room temperature for best texture
• Ideal for cookie boxes, parties, and gifting

Recipe Variations

• Turn them into sandwich cookies using lemon glaze as filling
• Shape slightly smaller cookies for tea-sized portions
• Add a double glaze layer for extra sweetness

Ingredient Spotlight

Lemon Zest

Lemon zest contains aromatic oils that provide intense citrus flavor without acidity. Always use fresh lemons and avoid the white pith underneath the peel.

Unsalted Butter

Using unsalted butter allows precise control over salt levels and creates a rich, tender cookie crumb.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for uniform baking
• Rotate baking sheets halfway through if needed
• Let cookies cool fully before glazing to prevent melting

Storage & Freezing Guide

Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days

Freezing

• Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months
• Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Estimated Amount
Calories	~120
Fat	Moderate
Carbohydrates	Moderate
Protein	Low

Dietary notes: Vegetarian, nut-free.

Expanded Conclusion

These Lemon Drop Cookies are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they are a cookie that feels both comforting and refined. The optional lemon glaze adds a beautiful finish that makes them suitable for everything from casual snacking to elegant gatherings.

If you love bright citrus desserts, this recipe is one you will return to again and again. It is reliable, versatile, and endlessly crowd-pleasing. Bake a batch once, and you will quickly understand why these cookies have earned a permanent place in so many kitchens.

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