Lemon Sugar Cookies Pastel Glaze (Printable)

Bright lemon sugar cookies topped with pastel glaze. Perfect for springtime treats and festive gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookies

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Glaze

10 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 - Pastel food coloring: pink, blue, yellow, or green

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, for 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
06 - Scoop dough by tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each ball 2 inches apart. Flatten each gently with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk as needed.
09 - Divide glaze among bowls and tint each with pastel food coloring.
10 - Dip cooled cookies into glaze or drizzle glaze on top. Allow glaze to set for at least 20 minutes before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The lemon glaze makes every bite taste like sunshine, and guests always try to guess what brings that bright flavor.
  • They're perfect for sharing at brunch, and you can personalize the glaze colors for any festive touch.
02 -
  • If you rush and glaze warm cookies, the icing will melt messily — patience pays off.
  • Swapping lemon juice for more milk in the glaze makes it taste less tangy; I learned to stick with lemon for a fresher finish.
03 -
  • Don't skip chilling the dough if your kitchen is warm—it prevents spreading flat and makes shaping easier.
  • Adding a pinch of salt to the glaze cuts sweetness and enhances lemon flavor.
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