Name: Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ¼ cup sugar; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 egg; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ¾ tsp lemon extract (optional); 1 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; ⅔ cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp lemon juice

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Combining lemon and poppy seeds results in a classic flavor combination that I can’t get enough of right now. You will typically find lemon poppy seed cakes and muffins, but who says a cookie can’t be lemon poppy seed flavored? These glazed lemon poppy seed cookies would make a great addition to any summertime picnic or barbeque.

These cookies are full of teeny, crunchy poppy seeds that add a fun textural contrast to the soft, lemony cookie. The glaze is sweet and adds just a hint of tartness to these cookies. This recipe is great for beginners and doesn’t require any crazy baking techniques. Plus, only 1 lemon is needed for the whole recipe!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Unsalted butter: This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of unsalted butter which is equal to 1 1/2 sticks of butter. Make sure the butter is softened, not melted. If you do not have unsalted butter, subtitle in salted butter and do not add salt called for in the recipe.

Sugar: For this recipe I like to measure out my sugar separately and mix it with the lemon zest. This will make a lemon-infused sugar and ensure the lemon flavor is evenly dispersed throughout the cookies.

Lemon zest: You will be able to get enough lemon zest and lemon juice from just 1 lemon.

Lemon extract: I prefer my cookies extra lemony, so I like to add a little bit of lemon extract for. This is completely optional and can be omitted if you want just a hint of lemon flavor.

All-purpose flour: Flour acts as a binding agent and provides structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure your flour out properly to ensure the best results.

Salt: Adding just a pinch of salt will enhance the flavors of these cookies.

Poppy seeds: You can buy poppy seeds at most grocery stores. I found mine in the spice aisle.

How to Make Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies?

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine the flour, poppy seeds, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine sugar and lemon zest. Add in softened butter and beat on medium-high until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.

Step 5: Scoop onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 6-9 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the dry ingredients until completely combined.

Step 7: Allow to cool for a couple minutes before applying the lemon glaze (instructions in next section).

Making the Lemon Glaze

Making this lemon glaze is super easy, and it can be whipped up in a matter of seconds. All you have to do is combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until a smooth glaze is formed.

After cooling for a couple minutes, transfer cookies to a wire wrack and gently brush with the glaze. The residual heat from the cookies will help spread the glaze to the edges of the cookie.

For easy cleanup, place a piece of parchment paper under the wire wrack before glazing to catch any drops of glaze that fall off the cookies.

Lemon poppy seed cookies with lemon in background

Storage And Make Ahead Instructions

Allow to cool and store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.

To make ahead of time, prepare dough and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days before baking. Make the glaze while cookies are baking.