Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jul 24, 2024 • 2 min read
If you’re a lemon lover, these classic lemon poppy seed cookies, which pair a tangy lemon cookie dough with crunchy poppy seeds, may be your new favorite cookie.
Learn From the Best
What Are Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies?
Lemon poppy seed cookies are a baked confection infused with bright citrus flavor and dotted with nutty poppy seeds. Like lemon poppy seed cake, these tender shortbread-like cookies call for fresh lemon juice and zest for a treat bursting with tangy flavor.
3 Tips for Making Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Bakers of all levels will be able to craft these tasty lemon treats successfully. Follow these tips to make the most of your lemon cookies:
- 1. Use fresh, ripe lemons. For the best lemon flavor, use the juice of fresh, ripe lemons rather than store-bought juice or lemon extract. Roll the lemon on the counter and pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds for extra juiciness.
- 2. Experiment with toppings. Dress these lemony cookies with fun toppings like a simple powdered sugar glaze or lemon glaze. Alternatively, roll the cookies in granulated sugar or turbinado sugar before baking for a caramelized exterior.
- 3. Store properly. Lemon poppy seed cookies will keep well in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days. Alternatively, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let the cookies cool fully to room temperature before storing or freezing.
Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe
makes
15 cookiesprep time
15 mintotal time
25 mincook time
10 minIngredients
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together until they form a fluffy, pale yellow cream, about 3 minutes. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a large bowl, and use an electric mixer to beat them together.
- 3
Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- 4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds until combined.
- 5
With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until the dough just comes together.
- 6
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop up a heaping tablespoon of dough, roll it into a 1-inch ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
- 7
Lightly press down on each cookie to flatten slightly.
- 8
Place the cookie sheet in the oven. Bake until the cookies are just set and golden brown around the edges, 10–12 minutes.
- 9
Remove the cookies from the oven, and transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully before serving, storing, or glazing.
Become a better baker with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Joanne Chang, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Chef Thomas Keller, Mashama Bailey, and more.