Preheat your oven to 300°F. Ensure it's nicely heated before baking to guarantee the cookies rise properly and bake evenly.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, 2 tsp of lemon zest, and 2 tbsp of poppy seeds. This blend creates a balanced mixture, ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key to achieving a soft texture.
Add in 1 egg and 2 egg yolks, beating until the mixture becomes even lighter and fluffier. The eggs add moisture and richness.
Stir in 1 1/2 tsp of lemon extract and a drop of yellow food color if desired. This step enhances the lemon flavor and adds a lovely hue to your dough.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an easy cleanup.
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart for even baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional lemon zest if desired.
Allow the glaze to set before serving. This final touch will make your cookies look irresistible!
