Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies (Print)

Zesty lemon-infused cookies with crunchy poppy seeds, ready in just 32 minutes for a delightful afternoon treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
05 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

→ Optional Lemon Glaze

11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Mix in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
06 - Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
08 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The balance of tangy lemon and subtle crunch from poppy seeds creates the most satisfying cookie texture
  • They come together in under 30 minutes but taste like something from a fancy bakery
  • The optional glaze transforms them into an impressive treat for guests or tea time
02 -
  • Overbaking these makes them dry, so pull them when edges are just barely golden
  • The dough continues cooking on the hot pan, so those 2 minutes of resting time matter
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from separating while mixing
03 -
  • Zest your lemons before juicing them, it is so much easier to handle the fruit that way
  • Roll the dough balls in extra sugar before baking for a sparkly crunchy exterior

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