Soft Lemon Oatmeal Cookies

Soft Lemon Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect balance of chewy oatmeal and refreshing lemon, making them a delightful treat for any time of the year. These cookies are packed with bright citrus flavor from the lemon zest and juice, which perfectly complement the hearty, comforting texture of the oats. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their glossy finish. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a dessert to impress guests, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

The dough is simple to make, with just a few ingredients like butter, oats, and flour. The lemon zest and juice provide a burst of flavor that makes each bite uniquely refreshing. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and citrusy goodness, giving these cookies a lovely finish. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the lemony punch, makes these oatmeal cookies stand out from traditional recipes. Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or serve them as a light dessert after dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Chewy and Soft: The oats create a soft, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the bright, tangy lemon.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon zest and juice make these cookies refreshingly light, with a hint of sweetness and citrus in every bite.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make these cookies quick to prepare.
  • Perfectly Glazed: The glaze gives the cookies a sweet, citrusy shine that enhances their flavor and appearance.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¾ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the cookie trays with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
    • In another bowl, combine the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar. Beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add the Lemon:
    • Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, a little at a time, until everything is well combined.
  6. Add the Oatmeal:
    • Stir in the oatmeal and beat until the dough is fully mixed.
  7. Shape the Cookies:
    • Using a small cookie scoop, place scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie trays, spacing them evenly.
  8. Flatten the Cookies:
    • In a shallow dish, place some granulated sugar. In another bowl, place some water. Dip the bottom of a glass into the water, then into the sugar, and gently flatten each cookie.
  9. Bake:
    • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the Glaze:
    • In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
  11. Glaze the Cookies:
    • Once the cookies have cooled, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Allow the glaze to harden before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugar.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
  • Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to harden on the cookies before serving to ensure it doesn’t smear.

Storage Options

  • Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

These Soft Lemon Oatmeal Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a delightful chewy texture and a fresh citrus kick. The glaze gives them an extra burst of lemony goodness, making them the ideal treat for any occasion!