Name: Lemon Poppyseed Sunshine Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487361H21M57S
Total time: PT-487361H21M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; Zest of 2 lemons; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon extract; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1½ Tbsp poppy seeds; 1 cup (250 g) cream cheese, softened; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust for consistency & tang); 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Short Description

Soft, buttery cookies filled with bright lemon flavor and speckled with poppy seeds, topped with creamy lemon-vanilla icing for a sweet, citrusy indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Burst of citrus: lemon zest, juice, and extract deliver vibrant lemon flavor
Textural delight: tender crumb studded with poppy seeds, topped with rich cream cheese icing
Balanced sweetness: sweet but not cloying, with zesty brightness
Make‑ahead potential: dough chills easily and cookies store well

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ Tbsp poppy seeds

Icing

1 cup (250 g) cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency & tang)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
In a mixer, cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Mix in lemon juice, egg, vanilla, and lemon extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Chill dough for 30–60 minutes if time allows (for firmer, thicker cookies).
Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets: 12 larger cookies or 24 smaller ones.
Bake for 12–15 minutes (large) or 10–12 minutes (small), until edges are set and centers are just soft.
Let cookies rest on the sheet until nearly cool, then transfer to a wire rack.
While cookies cool, beat icing ingredients until smooth. Adjust lemon juice for desired consistency.
Spread icing over cooled cookies. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of poppy seeds or a thin lemon slice. Chill or serve at room temperature.

Servings And Timing

Makes: 12 large cookies or 24 smaller cookies
Prep Time: ~15 minutes (+ optional chilling time)
Bake Time: 10–15 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes (plus 30–60 minutes chilling if used)

Variations

Mini thins: Roll dough thinner and bake shorter for crispier, bite-sized cookies.
Gluten‑free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
Lemon intensity: Increase zest or juice for stronger lemon flavor.
Seed swap: Use chia seeds or sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds.
No-cream cheese icing: Use whipped buttercream or a simple lemon glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store iced or plain cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without icing) for up to 1 month; thaw before icing.
Serving tip: For best flavor and texture, chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I Skip Chilling The Dough?

Yes—chilling is optional. Skipping will lead to slightly flatter, quicker-baking cookies.

Can I Use Regular Vanilla Extract Instead Of Lemon Extract?

Yes—the lemon extract adds extra citrus lift but vanilla alone still works well.

What If The Icing Is Too Thick Or Thin?

Adjust consistency with lemon juice (thin) or a little more powdered sugar (thicken).

Can I Use Light Cream Cheese?

Yes—full-fat gives creamier flavor, but light cream cheese is fine too.

How Can I Make The Cookies Chewier?

Bake until just set and centers still soft. Let them cool on the sheet—carry-over heat helps retain chewiness.

Are These Gluten-Free-Friendly?

Use a certified gluten-free 1:1 flour replacement and ensure baking soda is gluten-free friendly.

Can I Add More Seeds?

Yes—feel free to increase poppy seeds up to 2 Tbsp or add chia for extra crunch.

Is Lemon Icing Necessary?

No—plain cream cheese or vanilla frosting also complements the cookie well.

How Do I Prevent Cookies From Spreading?

Ensure butter is just softened (not melted), chill the dough if needed, and scoop evenly.

Are Cookies Best Warm or Chilled?

Chilled slices allow icing to firm slightly and flavors to meld—though warm is also delicious!

Conclusion

These Lemon Poppyseed Sunshine Cookies merge bright citrus, light floral crunch, and smooth cream cheese icing for a fresh, sunny twist on a classic cookie. Easy to bake and full of flavor, they’re perfect for springtime, afternoon tea, or anytime you crave a cheerful sweet treat.

Maggie