These zesty and buttery lemon poppy seed cookies are a delightful addition to any Easter or springtime celebration. With a light crunch from poppy seeds and a refreshing lemon flavor, they are perfect for pairing with tea, coffee, or as a festive dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & Refreshing Flavor – The combination of lemon zest and juice gives a fresh, citrusy taste.
- Light & Buttery Texture – Soft on the inside with a slight crunch from the poppy seeds.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a quick baking time make this a fuss-free recipe.
- Perfect for Easter & Spring – A fresh, light alternative to traditional sugar cookies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Combine & Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Shape & Bake: Roll dough into small balls, flatten slightly, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cookies cool before serving for the best texture.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 18 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Glazed Lemon Cookies – Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Extra Crunchy Version – Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the dough.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
- Lavender Lemon Cookies – Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender for a floral twist.
- Sugar-Coated Version – Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Let cookies sit at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for a fresher taste.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
How do I make my cookies softer?
Slightly underbake them and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Can I substitute lemon juice with another citrus?
Yes, lime or orange juice can be used for a different citrusy flavor.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, but chilling for 15 minutes can help prevent spreading if your butter is too soft.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour works best.
What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
You can substitute chia seeds or omit them altogether.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
How do I get the perfect round shape?
Roll the dough into uniform balls and slightly flatten them before baking.
Can I add frosting to these cookies?
Yes! A light lemon glaze or buttercream frosting would work beautifully.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, the balance of lemon zest and juice provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Conclusion
Lemon Poppy Seed Easter Cookies are a deliciously light and zesty treat perfect for springtime. With their delicate crunch and refreshing citrus flavor, these cookies are a great addition to Easter celebrations or afternoon tea. Try them today for a simple yet elegant homemade treat!
