Lemon Olive Oil Cookies with Lemon Drizzle

These lemon olive oil cookies are light, tender, and filled with vibrant citrus flavor. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and smooth olive oil, they offer a delicate balance of sweetness and tang, finished with a glossy lemon drizzle that adds the perfect final touch. They are ideal for afternoon tea, special gatherings, or a simple homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to olive oil instead of butter. The recipe uses every part of the lemon, giving a fresh and natural citrus taste without being overpowering. They are simple to prepare, require no special equipment, and stay moist for days, making them perfect for baking ahead or gifting.

Ingredients

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

Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup icing sugar, sifted
1/3 cup light olive oil
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 large egg, room temperature

Lemon Drizzle
1 cup icing sugar
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon zest, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and lightly grease them with olive oil.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the icing sugar, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and pale in color. Add the egg and vanilla bean paste, then mix again until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, mixing gently after each addition until a thick, smooth batter forms.

Lightly oil your hands. Scoop about one teaspoon of batter and roll it into a ball. Place it onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Bake for 15 to 16 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare the drizzle, mix the icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Spoon the drizzle over the cooled cookies and finish with a light sprinkle of lemon zest.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Baking time is 15 to 16 minutes.
Total time is approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

Variations

You can add a subtle herbal note by mixing a small amount of finely chopped rosemary or thyme into the dough. For extra texture, lightly roll the cookie dough balls in icing sugar before baking. Orange juice and zest can be substituted for lemon to create a different citrus profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If layered, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These cookies do not require reheating, but they can be gently warmed for a few seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Yes, the batter can be easily mixed by hand using a whisk and spatula.

What type of olive oil works best?

A light or mild extra virgin olive oil is ideal so it does not overpower the lemon flavor.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

You can slightly reduce the icing sugar in the dough, but the texture may change slightly.

Why is my dough sticky?

This dough is naturally sticky due to the olive oil and lemon juice. Lightly oiling your hands helps with shaping.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling for 20 minutes can make shaping easier, but it is not required.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They should be set and lightly firm on the bottom but still pale on top.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, freeze the baked cookies without drizzle for up to two months and drizzle after thawing.

Can I make the drizzle thicker?

Add more icing sugar a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Do these cookies spread a lot?

They spread slightly but keep a soft, rounded shape.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, they store well and travel nicely, making them great for gifting.

Conclusion

Lemon olive oil cookies with lemon drizzle are a simple yet elegant treat that showcases fresh citrus flavor and a beautifully tender texture. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile, they are a delightful addition to any cookie collection and a recipe you will return to again and again.

Print