Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies – Zesty, Soft & Crunchy Homemade Treat
Bright, zesty, and delightfully crunchy, Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are a refreshing twist on classic cookies that bring a burst of citrus to every bite. The tang of fresh lemon juice and zest balances perfectly with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, creating a cookie that’s both light and flavorful. These cookies are ideal for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply a sweet treat with your morning coffee.
What makes these cookies truly special is their combination of texture and flavor—the tender, buttery cookie base paired with the slight crunch of poppy seeds and a bright citrusy note makes them irresistible. Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are easy to make and customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness or add an optional glaze for an extra touch of indulgence. Perfect for gifting, snack time, or dessert plates, these cookies are a versatile addition to any baker’s repertoire.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients make approximately 24 cookies. Calorie counts are approximate per ingredient portion.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | 1,140 |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) | 1,080 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 770 |
| Large eggs | 2 | 140 |
| Lemon zest | 2 tsp | 6 |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | 8 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Poppy seeds | 2 tbsp | 40 |
| Optional glaze: powdered sugar + lemon juice | ¼ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp lemon juice | 120 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour mixture and poppy seeds until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra citrusy sweetness.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add zest variations: Include orange or lime zest for a citrus medley.
- Gluten-free option: Replace flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Sweetener alternatives: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
- Texture variations: Roll dough in sugar before baking for a sparkling, slightly crisp exterior.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing afternoon snack.
- Pack in decorative tins for gifting during holidays or special occasions.
- Pair with fresh berries or a light lemon curd for an elegant dessert plate.
- Enjoy alongside yogurt or ice cream for a creative breakfast or dessert treat.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
24 cookies
servings15
minutes10
minutes135
kcalIngredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp poppy seeds
Optional glaze: ¼ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and poppy seeds until just combined.
- Drop dough by tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle cooled cookies with lemon glaze.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading.
Avoid overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet to keep cookies tender and soft.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. You may need to slightly adjust baking time.
2. Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter, more natural citrus flavor. Use about 1 tsp of lemon extract if substituting.
3. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes. Use vegan butter or margarine instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version.
4. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Do not overbake. Remove cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn lightly golden. Cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack also helps maintain softness.
5. Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely! Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of lemon juice and drizzle over cooled cookies for extra citrus sweetness.
Conclusion
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are a delightful combination of tender, buttery cookies with bright, citrusy flavor and a subtle pop from poppy seeds. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or enhancing a dessert spread, these cookies are simple to make yet impressive in taste. Their soft, slightly crisp texture and refreshing lemon flavor make them an irresistible treat that will delight family, friends, and guests alike. By following this recipe, you can create a batch of cookies that are flavorful, versatile, and a staple in any baker’s collection.
