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Italian-Lemon-Cookies-Recipe

Italian Lemon Cookies

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These Italian Lemon Cookies are a must-try with their bright, zesty flavor and easy preparation. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and lemon zest, they are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a party, or a sweet treat after dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 20 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (240g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup sambuca or limoncello
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (180g)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sambuca or limoncello
  • 2 tablespoons boiling water
  • Colored non-pareil sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients by pulsing the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor until mixed, then add the lemon zest.
  2. Prepare the dough: Add the butter and pulse to break it up. Incorporate the egg, sambuca or limoncello, and milk until the dough forms. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the dough into 20 equal pieces, rolling each into a 6-inch rope. Tie into knots and place on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
  4. Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly browned, then cool on a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the icing by mixing confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, sambuca or limoncello, and boiling water until smooth.
  6. Brush the icing over the cookies and sprinkle with non-pareils if desired. Allow at least 2 hours for the icing to set.

Last Step:

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Notes

For an alcohol-free option, replace sambuca or limoncello with lemon juice or any citrus-flavored soda.
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before shaping the cookies to maintain their structure while baking.

  • Author: dani
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg