Cottage Cheese Lemon Cookies

There's something magical about the marriage of cottage cheese and lemon in a cookie—it creates a tender, moist crumb with just the right amount of tang. These Cottage Cheese Lemon Sugar Cookies with Glaze are impossibly soft, bright with fresh citrus, and finished with a sweet-tart lemon glaze that makes them utterly irresistible. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or any time you crave a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies, these treats are as delightful to make as they are to eat.

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The secret to these cookies lies in the cottage cheese—it adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the fresh lemon zest and juice beautifully. Rolling each cookie ball in sugar before baking creates a delicate, slightly crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft, pillowy center. The lemon glaze is the crowning touch, adding an extra burst of citrus brightness that makes these cookies truly special.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese (full-fat, well-drained)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add cottage cheese and beat until smooth. Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Do not overbake.

Step 8: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make and Apply Glaze

For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For best results, make sure your cottage cheese is well-drained—excess liquid can make the dough too sticky. Full-fat cottage cheese provides the richest flavor and most tender texture. Don't overbake these cookies; they should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them from the oven, as they'll continue to set as they cool. If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. For a more intense lemon flavor, add a little extra lemon zest to both the dough and the glaze.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These versatile cookies welcome creative variations. Add a pinch of poppy seeds to the dough for a classic lemon-poppy combination. For a hint of floral sweetness, stir in a teaspoon of lavender buds along with the lemon zest. You can also swap the lemon for lime or orange for different citrus profiles. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar coating or skip the glaze and simply dust with powdered sugar. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with lemon curd or cream cheese frosting.

Serviervorschläge

These cookies are perfect with a cup of hot tea or iced lemonade on a sunny afternoon. Arrange them on a pretty platter for brunch gatherings, baby showers, or spring celebrations. They pair beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert spread. For a complete tea-time experience, serve alongside cucumber sandwiches and scones. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they're so delicious they rarely last that long.

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These Cottage Cheese Lemon Sugar Cookies with Glaze prove that sometimes the most unexpected ingredient combinations create the most memorable treats. The cottage cheese keeps these cookies incredibly moist for days, while the lemon adds a refreshing brightness that makes them perfect for any season. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies deliver comfort and joy in every bite. Give them a try, and they just might become your new favorite way to enjoy the classic pairing of lemon and sugar.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives these cookies their moist texture?

The creamy cottage cheese adds moisture and richness, resulting in a soft and tender cookie.

→ How does the lemon glaze enhance the flavor?

The lemon glaze provides a bright, tangy sweetness that complements the subtle tartness in the dough.

→ Can I substitute full-fat cottage cheese?

Full-fat is recommended for best texture, but low-fat varieties can be used if drained well to avoid excess moisture.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.

→ How do I prevent the cookies from becoming dry?

Do not overbake; remove from oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.