Delightfully crisp on the edges with a soft, chewy center, Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These cookies feature the bright flavor of fresh lemon zest and juice, paired with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. A drizzle of lemon glaze on top adds a hint of extra sweetness while enhancing the citrusy aroma. Ideal for tea parties, sunny afternoons, or simply indulging your love for citrus treats, these cookies are as elegant as they are delicious.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, if desired. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or pack them up for a refreshing treat on the go! They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
