These Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies are a delightful balance of refreshing tang and sweetness, making them the perfect treat when I crave something light yet flavorful. With a soft, buttery texture and a tangy glaze on top, they’re a breeze to make and always impress. Whether I’m preparing them for a special occasion or just as a snack, these cookies are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these lemon-filled cookies for their perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie paired with the zingy lemon glaze creates an irresistible combination. The dough is simple to prepare, and the cookies bake up quickly, so I can have a batch ready in no time. Plus, the refreshing lemon flavor makes them feel light and refreshing—perfect for any time I want a delicious treat that’s not too heavy!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, setting it aside.
In a large bowl, I beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a nice, soft base for the cookies.
I add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing everything until it’s well combined.
Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated.
Using a tablespoon, I drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
I bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re baked, I let them cool on a wire rack.
Once the cookies are cooled, I drizzle a simple glaze made by mixing the powdered sugar with a little lemon juice over the top of each cookie. The glaze adds a nice sweet finish and extra lemony kick.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Calories: 180 kcal per cookie

Variations

Add more zest: If I want an extra punch of lemon flavor, I can add more lemon zest to the dough or glaze.
Make it fruity: I can stir in some dried cranberries, blueberries, or raspberries into the dough for a fun twist.
Change the glaze: Instead of a lemon glaze, I can make a simple vanilla glaze or even dip the cookies in chocolate for a sweet contrast.
Make them gluten-free: If I need a gluten-free version, I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious! If I want to keep them for longer, I can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. To thaw, I simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour or warm them gently in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but if bottled is all I have, it can work as a substitute.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, I can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. The cookies are just as delicious when baked fresh from chilled dough.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, I can freeze the cookie dough! I roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, I transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, I can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze. I just love the added sweetness and tang that the glaze brings.

How do I know when these cookies are done baking?

I look for the edges to turn a light golden brown. If they’re still soft in the center, they’re done! The cookies will firm up a little more as they cool.

Conclusion

These Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies are a wonderful, light treat that’s bursting with bright lemon flavor. The soft texture of the cookies and the sweet glaze make them the perfect bite-sized indulgence. Whether I’m making them for a special occasion, a treat for myself, or a batch to share, they always bring a refreshing burst of citrusy goodness that’s hard to resist!

Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies

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Print Recipe

These Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors. With soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they are an irresistible treat. Quick and easy to make, these cookies are ideal for any occasion, offering a refreshing burst of lemon that feels light and refreshing—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without being too heavy.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Shape Cookies: Use a tablespoon to scoop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over each cookie, then serve.

Notes

Extra Zest: Add more lemon zest to the dough or glaze for an even bolder lemon flavor.
Fruity Twist: Mix in dried cranberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fun variation.
Glaze Variations: Try a vanilla glaze or dip the cookies in chocolate for a sweet contrast.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian