Lemon Drop Cookies – Best Easy Recipe for Soft Glazed Cookies

Bright, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor, Lemon Drop Cookies are the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. These soft Italian lemon cookies are finished with a sweet-tart glaze that adds the perfect zing in every bite. Whether you’re baking for spring brunch, a holiday cookie swap, or simply to satisfy your citrus cravings, this recipe delivers a delicious cookie that’s as refreshing as it is easy to make.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Drop Cookies

Lemon Drop Cookies stand out for their bold lemon flavor and tender texture. They’re quick to prepare, require minimal equipment, and come together in just under an hour including chill time. The lemon glaze enhances their citrus punch, while the cookie itself remains delicately soft inside and slightly crisp on the outside.

These cookies are:

• Easy to make in one bowl
• Packed with fresh lemon zest and juice
• Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart
• Ideal for freezing and make-ahead baking

Whether you enjoy them plain or glazed, these cookies taste like sunshine in every bite.

What You Need to Make Lemon Drop Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of the simple pantry staples that make these Lemon Drop Cookies shine:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender, chewy base
• Baking powder: Creates a soft, puffy texture by helping the cookies rise
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with the light texture
• Lemon zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and flavor from natural oils
• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and softens the cookie crumb
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a soft structure
• Lemon juice: Gives a bright, tangy finish and boosts lemon flavor
• Lemon or vanilla extract: Enhances the citrus or buttery notes, depending on your choice
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Dissolves smoothly to make a silky lemon glaze

Ingredient Swaps and Citrus-Friendly Alternatives

If you’re missing a few ingredients or want to adapt the recipe, try these smart substitutions:

Flour & Sugar

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (by weight, not volume)
• Maple Sugar: A natural, refined sugar-free option that behaves similarly to granulated sugar

Butter & Egg

• Plant-Based Butter: Works well for a dairy-free option; omit extra salt if using salted varieties
• No Egg: You can skip the egg, though expect a crumbly, shortbread-like texture

Citrus Variations

• Meyer Lemons: Slightly sweeter and more floral than standard lemons
• Lime or Orange: For a different citrus twist, swap out lemon zest and juice accordingly

How to Make Lemon Drop Cookies – Step-by-Step

1. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest
   In a large bowl, use your fingers to mix the sugar and lemon zest until the texture resembles wet sand—this intensifies the lemon aroma.
3. Cream Butter and Lemon Sugar
   Add room-temperature butter to the lemon sugar. Beat on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   Mix in the egg, lemon juice, and extract until the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
   Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Chill the Dough
   Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. This helps control spreading during baking.
7. Preheat and Portion
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough onto the sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
8. Bake the Cookies
   Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale and soft.
9. Cool Completely
   Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let cool fully before glazing.
10. Make and Apply the Lemon Glaze
    Whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle or spread over each cooled cookie.

Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and egg at room temp mix more evenly, giving you a smooth dough
• Don’t Overmix the Flour: Stir until just combined to avoid dense cookies
• Chill the Dough: Prevents over-spreading and helps the cookies hold their shape
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform size and even baking
• Cool Before Glazing: If the cookies are warm, the glaze will melt off instead of setting

Flavor Pairings and Fun Variations

Looking to elevate or customize your Lemon Drop Cookies? Here are some ideas:

• Add Coconut: Mix shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist
• Top with Poppy Seeds: For added texture and a nod to lemon-poppy seed flavor combos
• Make Them Spicy: Add a pinch of ground ginger for a subtle warming kick
• Go Gluten-Free: Sub a 1:1 GF flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free
• Pair With Tea or Lemonade: These cookies are the perfect match for herbal tea or fresh lemonade
• Make-Ahead Tip: Bake without glaze and freeze; glaze after thawing for best texture

Storing, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Notes

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Make Ahead: Chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months in a sealed container
• Thaw and Glaze: Let cookies thaw at room temp, then glaze right before serving

A Citrus Classic With Year-Round Appeal

What makes Lemon Drop Cookies so special is their versatility. With bright citrus notes and a buttery base, they feel just as at home on a summer dessert tray as they do at a holiday cookie exchange. Their cheerful flavor and delicate glaze make them a timeless choice for any occasion.

If you love fresh lemon desserts or need a simple, crowd-pleasing cookie, this is the recipe to bookmark. Try it once, and you’ll return to these soft, zesty treats again and again.

Wrapping Up: The Cookie That Delivers Bright Flavor in Every Bite

Lemon Drop Cookies are more than just another citrus cookie—they’re a celebration of flavor, ease, and simplicity. From their tender crumb to the tart lemon glaze, each bite delivers a refreshing burst of sunshine. Whether you’re baking a batch for a weekend treat, holiday tray, or gifting, these cookies bring joy to every table.

With a short prep time, one-bowl mixing, and easy storage options, they’re a baker’s go-to lemon cookie recipe. So go ahead—grab those lemons and enjoy this irresistible twist on a classic Italian lemon cookie.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Drop Cookies

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Cider Cookies – Fall Treats: These cookies capture the warm, spiced essence of fall with a subtle apple tang, making them a great flavor companion to lemon drop cookies. Perfectly soft and aromatic, they’re ideal for anyone who enjoys sweet, fruit-forward baked goods.
• Caramel Apple Cider Cookies: Bursting with seasonal spices and drizzled with caramel, these cookies offer a sweet-tart apple profile that pairs wonderfully with the citrus brightness of lemon drop cookies, especially on autumn dessert trays.
• Taylor Swift Chai Cookies: While not lemon-based, these cookies offer a cozy, spiced alternative with a soft texture that complements the tender crumb of lemon drop cookies. They’re a great contrasting yet harmonious addition to a seasonal cookie spread.

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