Name: Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-492118H41M3S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1-3/4 cups sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese, at room temperature, liquid pressed out; 3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed Meyer lemon juice (or regular lemon juice); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 large lemon; ½ teaspoon lemon extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 4 – 5 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice; 2 tablespoons Limoncello (or an additional 2 tablespoons lemon juice); Decorator sugar crystals (for garnish); Additional lemon zest (for garnish)

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If you adore the bright, zesty explosion of lemon in your desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe. These cookies are soft and tender, bursting with refreshing lemon notes, and crowned with a glossy, tangy glaze that has a delightful hint of Limoncello, giving them a sophisticated twist that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine glass bowls arranged closely on a wooden surface, each holding different baking ingredients. In the center is a large bowl filled with a heap of light beige flour. Surrounding it are smaller bowls: one with white granulated sugar, one with white powdered sugar, one with two whole white eggs, one with a pale yellow liquid, one with lemon zest, one with a thick white cream-like substance, and two tiny bowls containing white salt and baking powder respectively. Two sticks of light yellow butter are placed beside the sugar bowl. The arrangement is neat, and the textures range from powdery to creamy to smooth. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe plays a crucial role, from lending structure and softness to infusing that unmistakable lemon flavor that elevates these cookies to a bright, sunny delight. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each element matters:

2-1/2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their perfect tender crumb and structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise lightly without getting too puffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a bit of lift and helps balance the acidity of the lemon.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
1-3/4 cups sugar: Sweetens the dough; it also helps create a tender texture.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add silkiness.
1 15-ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese (liquid pressed out): Keeps the cookies incredibly soft and adds subtle tang.
3 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice: Brightens the dough with fresh citrus zing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the lemon notes.
Zest of 1 large lemon: Boosts lemon aroma and flavor in every bite.
½ teaspoon lemon extract: Amplifies the lemon punch to keep it vibrant.
2 cups powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
4 – 5 tablespoons lemon zest: Make the glaze intensely lemony and gorgeous.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds that perfect tart kick to the glaze.
2 tablespoons Limoncello: Infuses the glaze with an authentic Italian lemon liqueur flavor, or substitute with extra lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option.

How to Make Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; this prevents sticking and ensures even baking, giving you that perfect golden edge on your cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly sets the stage for a uniform texture and flawless rising during baking.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using your mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is airy and light in color, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This process traps air, resulting in tender, fluffy cookies perfect for absorbing that luscious lemon glaze.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Incorporate the eggs slowly, beating after each addition to blend fully. This ensures the dough stays smooth and emulsified, which is key for delicate cookies that hold their shape.

Step 5: Mix in Ricotta and Lemon Flavors

Beat in the ricotta cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract until combined. The ricotta brings moisture and a subtle tang, while the lemon components brighten the entire dough with fresh, vibrant citrus notes.

Step 6: Combine Flour Mixture

Gently fold in the flour mixture with a spatula or on low mixer speed. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to bring everything together for tender cookies that won’t be dense.

Step 7: Portion and Freeze the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-and-a-half-sized portions of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheets. Freeze the trays for an hour before baking — this chill step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, resulting in beautifully round, slightly golden edges.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the chilled cookie dough for about 15 minutes or until the edges start to take on a delicate golden hue. The centers will remain soft and cakey, exactly how lemon cookies should be.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully. This cooling lets them firm up slightly without losing softness.

Step 10: Prepare the Limoncello Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Limoncello until smooth. This glaze should be silky and pourable, with just the right balance of sweet and tart.

Step 11: Glaze Your Cookies

Place your wire racks over a clean baking sheet for easy cleanup, then spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies. Spread it to the edges and let it drip down naturally for that gorgeous, rustic look that makes these cookies irresistible.

Step 12: Let the Glaze Set

Let the glaze harden at room temperature for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. This wait might be hard, but it’s well worth it for the subtle crackle and glossy finish that completes every cookie.

Step 13: Garnish and Enjoy

For an extra touch, sprinkle decorator sugar crystals and additional lemon zest on top right after glazing. This adds sparkle and enhances the lemon flavor even further.

How to Serve Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe

A white plate with a green rim holds about ten small round cookies, each topped with coarse sugar crystals and yellow lemon zest sprinkled on top. The cookies are light golden brown on the edges and pale beige in the center, with a rough texture from the sugar. Behind the plate, a ceramic decoration shows two bright yellow lemons with green leaves and a small white flower, all placed on a dark wooden surface. The overall setting contrasts the soft cookies with the shiny ceramic lemons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little extra lemon zest or colorful sugar crystals on top right after glazing gives your cookies a festive, eye-catching final touch that’s sure to impress guests or delight your family.

Side Dishes

These lemony delights pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, a glass of sparkling water, or even chilled prosecco for a celebratory vibe. They also make a perfect dessert alongside light fruit salads or creamy ricotta spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs scattered around. You can also stack them with parchment paper between layers for a charming gift box idea or party favor that screams spring and sunshine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft texture and the glaze’s fresh lemon flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls after portioning, placing them on a baking sheet until solid and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake from frozen with a minute or two extra baking time. The glazed cookies freeze well too if wrapped tightly and thawed at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want warm cookies, gently reheat in a low oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving your glazed cookies as it might soften or melt the glaze too much. A warm, fresh cookie with chilled glaze contrast is simply divine!

FAQs

Can I substitute Limoncello in the glaze?

Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic glaze, simply replace the Limoncello with an equal amount of fresh lemon juice. The cookies will still taste beautifully lemony and fresh.

Why do we freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Freezing helps the cookies keep their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too thin, which results in a tender, perfectly thick texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check your blend’s measurements and rising agents to get similar results.

How long do the glazed cookies keep fresh?

For best flavor and texture, enjoy the cookies within 3 days of glazing. Keep them stored airtight to avoid drying out.

Is ricotta essential for this recipe?

The ricotta cheese is key for making these cookies wonderfully moist and soft. If you must substitute, try full-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making these Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe is not only a delicious venture but also a joyful way to brighten any day with fresh citrus flavor and indulgent sweetness. I promise once you try them, these soft, lemony treats with their sparkling glaze will become a favorite to bake and share time and time again. Go ahead and bring a slice of sunny bliss into your kitchen today!