Lemon Poundcake Cookies Recipe

Luscious Lemon Poundcake Cookies Recipe: Zesty Homemade Joy

Soft, buttery cookies with a bright lemon poundcake flavor dance on the edge of sweet indulgence.

These delicate treats melt in your mouth with a tangy zest that captures summer’s essence.

Every baker seeks that perfect balance of citrus and richness in their lemon poundcake cookies.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that create an extraordinary dessert experience.

Delicate crumbs and vibrant lemon notes make these cookies a delightful companion to afternoon tea or a quick sweet escape.

Zesty and tender, they promise to become your new favorite afternoon treat.

Bake a batch and watch these little sunshine-inspired cookies disappear in moments.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give these cookies their lemon flavor?

Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice are the key ingredients that infuse these cookies with bright, tangy citrus taste. The zest provides intense lemon oils, while the juice adds a sharp, fresh flavor.

  • Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a whisk and wooden spoon. Just ensure the butter is softened at room temperature and mix thoroughly until ingredients are well combined.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should be pale but not brown. They’ll continue to firm up slightly after removing from the oven, so avoid overbaking.

Lemon Poundcake Cookies Bursting with Citrus Flavor

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  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or cheese to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
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  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses basic pantry staples to create a rich, creamy potato dish that feels gourmet without complicated or expensive ingredients.

What Goes Into Lemon Poundcake Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's soft texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.
Lemon Flavoring:
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Infuse the cookies with a bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Combine to create a smooth, tangy glaze that adds a sweet and zesty finish to the cookies.

How to Make Lemon Poundcake Cookies Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F (175°C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in the sunny flavors:
  • Lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together.

Step 3: Create Cookie Rounds

Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Step 4: Craft the Tangy Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.

Feel free to adjust by adding more sugar or juice as needed.

Step 5: Finish with Zesty Flair

Once the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over each cookie.

Sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top for a bright, citrusy finish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tips to Perfect Lemon Poundcake Cookies

  • Add extra lemon zest directly into the cookie dough for a more intense citrus punch.
  • Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookies' shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly and doesn't slide off.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that creates a tender texture.
  • Store glazed cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate appearance.

Flavorful Variations on Lemon Poundcake Cookies

  • Lavender Lemon Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with lavender extract for a floral, aromatic twist. Add dried lavender buds to the dough for extra fragrance and visual appeal.
  • Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Orange Citrus Variation: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh orange juice and orange zest. Adjust the glaze to use orange juice for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
  • Almond Lemon Cookies: Mix in almond extract alongside vanilla. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch and nutty undertones.

What to Serve with Lemon Poundcake Cookies

  • Sip Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The delicate floral notes and bergamot in this tea complement the bright, zesty lemon flavor of the cookies, creating a harmonious and refreshing pairing that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Serve with Fresh Berries: Toss a handful of raspberries or blueberries on the side to add a tangy, sweet contrast that cuts through the richness of the cookies and provides a beautiful color pop.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a small portion of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cookies to balance the citrusy tang with smooth, sweet coolness that melts perfectly in your mouth.
  • Pour Chilled Limoncello: Offer a small shot of this Italian lemon liqueur to enhance the lemony profile of the cookies, adding a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert that brings out the citrus undertones.

How to Keep Lemon Poundcake Cookies Fresh

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and fresh taste.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent hardening. Check temperature and avoid overheating to preserve moisture.
  • Remove cookies from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original softness and bring out the lemon flavor.
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Lemon Poundcake Cookies Recipe

Lemon Poundcake Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet sunshine dances through classic Lemon Poundcake Cookies, blending zesty citrus with buttery richness. Delicate crumbs melt on your palate, delivering a charming Mediterranean-inspired treat that whispers pure comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal cookie preparation.
  2. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
  4. Blend in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, which will infuse the dough with bright, citrusy notes.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
  6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  7. Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges as an indicator of doneness.
  9. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
  10. Prepare lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
  11. Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cookies, creating an even coating.
  12. Garnish with a delicate sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor and intense aroma.
  • Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect creamy texture in the dough.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more compact cookie shape.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 82 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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