Lemony Slice-and-Bakes

Delicate, buttery cookies flavored with fresh lemon zest and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. These slice-and-bake cookies have a rich, tender texture and bright citrus flavor.

36 servings
2 hr 8 min

Ingredients

  • cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • to taste food coloring
  • to taste sanding sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Whisk flour and salt in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla in a large bowl, occasionally scraping down sides, until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg yolks; beat just to blend. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture and beat, occasionally scraping down sides, just to blend. Divide dough in half; roll each half into a 10"-long log about 1 3/4" in diameter. Wrap in plastic and chill until firm, about 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

    75 min

  2. 2.

    Arrange racks in lower and upper thirds of oven; preheat to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap 1 dough log. Using a sharp, lightly floured knife, cut log into 1/4"-thick rounds. Transfer to prepared sheets, spacing 1" apart.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Bake until cookies are firm and golden brown around edges, 16-18 minutes. Let cool for 1 minute, then transfer to wire racks and let cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough log, using cooled baking sheets and new parchment paper.

    18 min

  4. 4.

    Whisk sugar and 2 tablespoons juice in a small bowl, adding more juice by 1/2-teaspoonfuls if too thick. Add coloring, if desired. Spread or drizzle icing over cookies. Decorate as desired. Let stand until icing sets, about 10 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

    20 min

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