Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly and don't brown too quickly. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You can also lightly grease and flour the baking sheet as an alternative.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Whisking ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent texture. The lemon zest adds a bright, aromatic note to the cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the egg, melted and cooled butter, and milk to the well. Using a fork, gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, starting from the center and working outwards. Mix until the dough is almost combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured flat surface. Gently knead the dough for a few minutes, until it forms a smooth and cohesive ball. Be careful not to overknead, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft and pliable.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a 5-6 inch (13-16 cm) rope. The ropes should be relatively thin for a delicate cookie. Form the ropes into knots or rings. To make knots, simply tie the rope into a simple knot. To make rings, join the ends of the rope together, pressing them firmly to seal. You can also create other shapes as desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before glazing. Cooling allows the cookies to firm up and prevents the glaze from melting. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip each cookie into the lemon glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed cookies on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set completely. You can also sprinkle the glazed cookies with sprinkles or additional lemon zest for added decoration.