Italian Lemon Cookies, made with fresh lemon zest and juice, are soft, tangy, and perfect for any occasion this recipe serves 17 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. A traditional treat, these cookies offer a refreshing citrus burst with each bite.
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💛 Why You’ll Love This Italian Lemon Cookies Recipe:
- Bright and Tangy Flavor: The lemon zest and juice give a refreshing citrus flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Soft Texture: These cookies are tender and soft, perfect for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this recipe is great for beginners.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for holidays, tea parties, or just as a treat, these cookies are always a hit.
❓ What Is Italian Lemon Cookies Recipe?
Italian Lemon Cookies are traditional cookies made with fresh lemon zest and juice they are soft, citrusy, and often dusted with powdered sugar. These cookies are a delightful treat that combines a light sweetness with tangy lemon flavor.
🍋 Italian Lemon Cookies Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
🥨 How To Make Italian Lemon Cookies
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar slightly or add a lemon glaze.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of lemon extract for an extra lemony punch.
🥂 What To Serve With Italian Lemon Cookies?
Serve Italian Lemon Cookies with a glass of Frozen Lemonade,Blueberry Lemonade, or a chilled glass of Blueberry Juice they also pair well with Lemon Curd Ripple Ice Cream or Lemon Curd for a refreshing dessert combination.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Italian Lemon Cookies?
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers italian lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container.
- Freeze: Freeze leftovers italian lemon cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Italian Lemon Cookies?
- In The Microwave: Reheat leftovers italian lemon cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to enjoy them warm again.
- In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm leftovers italian lemon cookies for 5-7 minutes to bring back their freshly baked texture.
FAQ’S
What makes Italian Lemon Cookies different from regular cookies?
Italian Lemon Cookies are unique due to their use of fresh lemon juice and zest, which gives them a distinct tangy, citrus flavor. The texture is typically soft and light, unlike many traditional cookies that are crispy or dense.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh in Italian Lemon Cookies?
While bottled lemon juice can be used, it’s recommended to use fresh lemon juice for Italian Lemon Cookies fresh juice provides a brighter, more authentic flavor that complements the zest. Bottled juice may lack the same tanginess and might have a slightly processed taste.
How do I make Italian Lemon Cookies softer?
To make Italian Lemon Cookies softer, make sure to cream the butter and sugar well, and avoid overbaking. Removing the cookies from the oven as soon as they turn light golden ensures they remain tender. You can also underbake slightly to achieve a soft, chewy texture.
How can I prevent Italian Lemon Cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent Italian Lemon Cookies from spreading, chill the dough for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape. Also, ensure the butter isn’t too soft when you start mixing the dough, as warm dough tends to spread more during baking.
What texture should Italian Lemon Cookies have?
Italian Lemon Cookies should have a soft, tender, and slightly chewy texture the edges may be slightly firm, but the center should remain soft and almost melt-in-your-mouth, especially when baked just right and not overdone.
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Italian Lemon Cookies Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 129
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Italian Lemon Cookies
Description
Italian Lemon Cookies, made with fresh lemon zest and juice, are soft, tangy, and perfect for any occasion this recipe serves 17 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. A traditional treat, these cookies offer a refreshing citrus burst with each bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar slightly or add a lemon glaze.
For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of lemon extract for an extra lemony punch.