These Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Speckled with crunchy poppy seeds and finished with a sweet lemon glaze, they’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion—from afternoon tea to summer picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors. The brightness of lemon perfectly complements the nutty crunch of poppy seeds, and the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. They’re easy to make, require no chilling, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just looking for a fresh twist on a classic cookie, this recipe delivers.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Unsalted butter, softened
Egg (and optional extra yolk)
Vanilla extract (optional almond extract)
Poppy seeds
Confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add lemon zest to the sugar mixture and mix to release the oils.
Beat in the egg (and yolk if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Mix confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 32–36 cookies
Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 35–45 minutes

Variations

Add a small amount of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Replace lemon glaze with cream cheese frosting for a richer cookie.
For added crunch, sprinkle poppy seeds on top before baking.
Use orange zest and juice for an orange-poppy seed twist.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.

FAQs

How do I make sure my cookies stay chewy?

Do not overbake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The cookies are flavorful enough to enjoy without it.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Store in a freezer-safe bag and bake from frozen with a slightly longer bake time.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater and avoid the white pith underneath the peel to prevent bitterness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required for this recipe, making it quick and convenient.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Too-soft butter or overmixing can cause excessive spreading. Make sure butter is just softened, not melted.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

What if I don’t have poppy seeds?

You can omit them or replace them with chia seeds for a different texture.

How do I store glazed cookies?

Let the glaze set completely before storing in layers separated by wax paper to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are everything a great cookie should be—bright, chewy, slightly crisp, and easy to make. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or prepared ahead and frozen, they’re a refreshing treat that brings a touch of citrus sunshine to any day.