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Close-up of lemon poppy seed cookies topped with thick lemon glaze and lemon zest

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Soft lemon cookies filled with lemon curd and topped with a sweet lemon almond glaze. These bakery-style cookies are bright, tender, and perfect for spring baking.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
rest time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 478

Ingredients
  

  • the cookie dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter - at room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour - 528 grams
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 1/2 cup lemon curd - for filling each cookie dough ball can use homemade or store bought
  • For the lemon almond glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter - melted
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cookie scoop
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon zest until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until combined.
  4. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
  5. Scoop portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Create a small well in each scoop and add a little lemon curd to the center.
  6. Cover the filling with more dough and gently seal to form smooth cookie dough balls.
  7. If needed, chill the filled dough balls for about 20 to 30 minutes.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges.
  9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, melted butter, almond extract, and poppy seeds until smooth.
  11. Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 478kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 1gSugar: 49gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg

Video

Notes

  • Chill the dough if it feels too soft to shape around the lemon curd.
  • Do not overfill the cookies or the lemon curd may leak.
  • Fresh lemon zest gives the best flavor.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before glazing.
  • If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops more lemon juice until it loosens.

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