Go Back
+ servings
Italian Lemon Cookies

Buttery Italian Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your Day

These Italian Lemon Cookies offer a delightful blend of buttery goodness and zesty lemon, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use flour with at least 11% protein for optimal texture.
  • 0.5 cups cornstarch Adds tenderness; can substitute with arrowroot powder.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Use only the yellow part of the peel.
  • 1 pinch salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 cups butter Softened; opt for high-quality butter.
  • 1 cups powdered sugar Essential for creating a smooth glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Use fresh juice for best taste.
For the Optional Glaze
  • 1 cups powdered sugar Ensures a smooth consistency.
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice Fresh is best!

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, the zest of one lemon, and a pinch of salt. Set this bowl aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Gradually mix in half of the dry flour mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add the remaining flour mixture.
  4. Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and roll it into a log approximately 1.5 inches wide. Refrigerate for about 1 hour.
  5. After chilling, slice the dough log into half-inch rounds. Place on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  6. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Bake for 5 minutes, then increase to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 9-10 more minutes.
  7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  8. For the glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!