Glazed Lemon Cookies in 42 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the egg and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and glossy.
3. Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed just until the white streaks of flour disappear; do not overmix.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (approx. 1 tbsp each) and place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just barely set and the tops look matte.
6. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
7. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until velvety. Add milk or water if needed for consistency.
8. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze or drizzle using a spoon.
9. Let the cookies sit on a wire rack for 15 minutes until the glaze sets into a firm, opaque shell.