Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling
Yield 1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
With fresh lemon zest, lemon juice and poppy seeds, these tender lemon poppy seed cookies are sure to add a splash of sunshine to any day.

Ingredients

  • COOKIES:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • GLAZE:
  • 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 6 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Beat in lemon zest, lemon juice and egg.
  3. In a small bowl, combine flour, poppy seeds, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Beat until the dough comes together.
  4. Using a 2-in. cookie dough scoop, divide dough and shape into balls. Flatten each cookie dough ball slightly before placing on the prepared baking sheet, 2 in. apart.
  5. Bake 12-13 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven; let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. To make the glaze, whisk together confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and poppy seeds. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze; let set before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 249 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

This lemon poppy seed cookie recipe bursts with lemon, thanks to lemon juice and zest in the dough. Using lemon juice in the glaze takes them over the top with fresh flavor! —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Recipe Creator

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC