If you’re craving a little sunshine on your plate, look no further than Italian Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze! These delightful cookies are bursting with zesty lemon flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special moment, or just treating yourself, these cookies will surely brighten your day!
A Taste of Italy in Every Bite
These cookies are a wonderful blend of Italian tradition and modern flavor. Their tender texture combined with a sweet, tangy lemon glaze creates a cookie experience that’s simply irresistible. Picture yourself enjoying one with a cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones — they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
Serving Size
Serves: 24 cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Make Italian Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside while you mix the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2–3 minutes. Adding air to your mixture will give your cookies that delightful texture!
Step 4: Add the Egg and Flavorings
Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. The fresh lemon juice and zest are what give these cookies their vibrant flavor!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
Step 8: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cookies
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if you can!
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help the cookies maintain their shape.
- Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Italian Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making them an ideal treat for any lemon lover. Their delightful texture and bright flavor will have you coming back for more. So why not whip up a batch today? Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself — no judgment here!