Lemon Sugar Cookies Pastel (Printable Version)

Bright lemon-infused cookies glazed in pastel colors. Perfect for festive springtime occasions and celebrations.

# 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 - 2–3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 - Pastel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, or green)

# How To Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lemon zest brings a gentle tang that feels like a spring secret in every bite.
  • Glazing the cookies is so fun and easy, you can customize colors for any celebration or mood.
02 -
  • If you rush the cooling, the glaze will melt and slide right off—patience pays every time.
  • Sifting powdered sugar before making the glaze prevents pesky lumps and gives the prettiest finish.
03 -
  • Let the butter soften slowly for a creamier dough; rushing it gives tougher cookies.
  • A touch of lemon extract in the glaze brings out even more citrusy brightness.
Go Back