Iced Lemon Cookies
When it comes to baked goods, nothing quite compares to the refreshing combination of citrus and sweetness. Iced lemon cookies, with their tangy, zesty flavor and soft, chewy texture, have become a favorite treat for many. These cookies are perfect for any time of year, but their bright, fresh taste makes them especially ideal for spring and summer.
The beauty of this recipe is not just in its flavor, but also in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you're hosting a gathering, treating yourself to a snack, or making something special for a friend, these iced lemon cookies will be a hit.
Lemon is one of those ingredients that elevates any dessert with its vibrant, fresh kick. It balances sweetness with tartness, creating a flavor profile that's both refreshing and satisfying. In this recipe, lemon plays a key role in both the cookie dough and the glaze, infusing every bite with a delightful citrus burst.
The ingredients for these iced lemon cookies are straightforward, and you likely already have most of them in your kitchen. Let's break them down:
For the Cookies:
3 tablespoons vegan butter – This serves as the base fat in the cookie dough, adding richness while keeping the recipe plant-based. You can use any vegan butter you want. Traditional butter should also work.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – The zesty tartness of lemon juice is the star ingredient, lending both flavor and moisture to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste – Vanilla brings a subtle warmth to the cookies, balancing out the tartness of the lemon. You can substitute this with vanilla extract.
1/3 cup sugar – A touch of sweetness that complements the citrus without overwhelming it. I used cane sugar. Any granulated sugar should work.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cookies rise, giving them a light, airy texture.
2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – The flour provides structure and stability, giving the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel. I haven’t tested any other flours in this recipe.
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar – The powdered sugar creates a smooth, silky texture for the glaze, making it the perfect topping for these cookies.
2-4 tablespoons lemon juice – The lemon juice in the glaze adds a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the powdered sugar, creating the perfect balance.
These iced lemon cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a soft, chewy texture and a smooth, zesty glaze. They're simple to make, yet they pack a big punch in terms of flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
The best part? They’re completely vegan, so everyone can indulge in this delicious, citrusy treat. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
Vegan butter
Lemon juice
Vanilla paste
Sugar
Baking powder
All purpose flour
Powdered sugar
Recipe:
3 tablespoons vegan butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla paste
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl melt the butter.
3. Transfer to a larger bowl and add in the lemon juice, vanilla paste, and sugar. Stir to combine.
4. Add in the baking powder and flour. Stir until a dough forms. Use a cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Roll in your hands to create a ball. Slightly press down on the cookie sheet. Repeat until all dough is used.
5. Bake for 7-8 minutes.
Allow to completely cool before adding the glaze. To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Slowly add in the lemon juice. Continue to stir until desired consistency is reached. Pour over cookies.
Be sure to store the cookies in the refrigerator or freezer. The cookies should last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can also store these in the freezer. It should last for up to a month.
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If you ever have any questions about a recipe or substitutions, don’t hesitate to reach out!