Name: Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 24 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup butter, room temperature (one stick); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon); 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon limoncello liqueur; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon limoncello liqueur; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about half a lemon); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon)

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If you love bright, zesty treats that bring a burst of sunshine to your day, you are going to be absolutely enchanted by the Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe. These cookies are delightfully soft and tender, boasting a subtle tang from fresh lemon zest and creamy ricotta, perfectly complemented by the fragrant, sweet kick of limoncello in the glaze. Every bite melts in your mouth with just the right balance of citrus and sweetness, making this recipe a standout for spring afternoons, brunches, or anytime you want to share something special with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image showing a woman's hand holding a half-eaten cookie with a smooth, pale white frosting layer on top. The cookie itself is light golden yellow with a soft, porous texture inside. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more of these same cookies, all round and covered with the same white frosting. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a cookie with amazing texture, flavor, and brightness. Each item plays an important role, contributing to the lightness, moistness, or the delicate lemon essence that makes these cookies unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for soft, tender cookies.
Baking powder: Leavens the dough to keep these cookies airy and light.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough to just the right degree.
Butter (room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Lemon zest: Imparts fresh, natural citrus aroma and flavor.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Keeps the cookies moist and soft with a creamy texture.
Large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
Limoncello liqueur: Infuses the batter and glaze with a sweet, lemony spirit.
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the luscious glaze for a smooth finish.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness to the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures even distribution so your cookies rise uniformly and have perfect texture from edge to edge.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar with the lemon zest until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and fragrant—about two minutes. This step aerates the batter, contributing to those soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies we all adore.

Step 3: Incorporate Ricotta, Egg, and Limoncello

Next, blend in the creamy ricotta, egg, and a splash of limoncello. This combination adds moisture and a subtle zing that lifts the flavor profile. Mix just until everything is well combined—you want to keep the batter airy.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Fold the flour mixture into your wet ingredients with care, mixing until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten. This delicate approach keeps your cookies tender instead of tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavors as they meld together.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls, spacing them about two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the cookie bottoms are just starting to turn golden, but be aware the tops may remain quite light in color.

Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Limoncello Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, limoncello, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a glossy glaze. Once the cookies are fully cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and allow them to dry on a wire rack until set. This glaze adds a brilliant pop of flavor and a pretty finish.

How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe

The image shows round cookies on a cooling rack, each cookie covered with a smooth, shiny white icing that drips slightly on the edges, creating small droplets. The cookies are pale golden with a soft texture, and the icing adds a creamy, thick top layer. The cooling rack is black and placed over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cookies by sprinkling a tiny pinch of additional lemon zest or decorating with thin lemon slices to make them dazzle on any plate. Fresh mint leaves also pair beautifully, adding a touch of green and a refreshing scent.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect companions to a light cup of tea, espresso, or a chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge. Serve alongside fresh berries to complement the citrus notes or with a scoop of vanilla gelato for a truly indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with a thin layer of lemon curd between for a delightful sandwich cookie, or arrange them on a tiered dessert tray at your next gathering. They’re also gorgeous when wrapped in cellophane with a yellow ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these lemon ricotta cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine but bring back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed cookie dough balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to two months. Bake from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze the cooled, unglazed cookies and glaze after thawing.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes to refresh them without melting the glaze. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely crisp edge and tender inside.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, part-skim ricotta will work, but whole milk ricotta adds more creaminess and moisture, making the cookies especially tender. If you only have part-skim, consider adding a tiny splash of cream to compensate.

Is it okay to omit the limoncello?

You can skip limoncello if you prefer a non-alcoholic version—simply substitute with extra lemon juice or a lemon extract. The cookies will still taste wonderful but miss a little of the unique depth that limoncello offers.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking. It also allows the flavors to blend and intensify, resulting in a tastier cookie.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same, and watch for slight differences in texture.

How long will the glaze stay fresh?

The limoncello glaze sets quickly and keeps well at room temperature for about a day. For longer storage, keep the cookies refrigerated in an airtight container, but apply the glaze fresh after thawing for the best shine and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe enough for anyone who enjoys a dessert that feels both elegant and cozy. They’re a little burst of sunshine in cookie form, easy to make, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, these cookies will quickly become a go-to favorite that everyone will ask you to make again and again.