If you are looking for a bright, zesty treat that’s perfect for gatherings or whenever you crave something sweet and tangy, this Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe is sure to become a favorite. These cookies are the perfect marriage of soft, creamy ricotta-infused dough and a shimmering, citrusy limoncello glaze that adds just the right amount of sparkle and flavor. Each bite bursts with fresh lemon zest and the subtle warmth of limoncello, making these cookies irresistibly special and absolutely delightful to share with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these stunning cookies, you only need a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that work together harmoniously to create both tender texture and vibrant flavor. Each element brings something essential to the recipe, ensuring your finished cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful.
- All-purpose flour (2-1/2 cups + 2 Tbsp): Forms the base, giving cookies structure.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just right.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Adds lift and tenderness.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Sugar (1-3/4 cups): Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Creates richness and a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together while adding moisture.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (15 oz, pressed): Adds a creamy, moist texture and subtle tang.
- Freshly-squeezed Meyer lemon juice (3 Tbsp): Brightens the dough and aroma.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Provides depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Lemon zest (zest of 1 large lemon): Adds fresh citrus oils for zing.
- Lemon extract (½ tsp): Boosts the lemon intensity without adding extra liquid.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Key for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Lemon zest for glaze (4-5 Tbsp): Lots of zesty punch right in the glaze.
- Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Combined with powdered sugar for glazing.
- Limoncello (2 Tbsp): Adds authentic Italian flavor and a subtle boozy note.
- Decorator sugar crystals and additional lemon zest: For that finishing sparkle and extra zing.
How to Make Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 to 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—this simple step ensures the cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup easier and keeping your cookies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This blend forms the dry foundation of your cookie dough and mixing it well ensures an even rise and balanced flavor throughout.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, beat the sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it creates air pockets that give your cookies a soft, tender crumb you’ll love.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This method ensures the eggs blend smoothly into the butter and sugar mixture, preventing any lumps and helping your dough come together just right.
Step 5: Add Ricotta and Citrus
Now add in the creamy ricotta cheese, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Beat all of these wet ingredients together to infuse your dough with a luscious texture and a bright, vibrant lemon flavor that sets these cookies apart.
Step 6: Combine Flour Mixture
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients you mixed earlier. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want just enough to combine everything for a tender, soft cookie. Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough, so gently does it!
Step 7: Shape and Freeze Dough
Drop spoonfuls of dough—about 1-1/2 tablespoons each—onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out generously. Then, freeze the cookie dough on the sheets for one hour. Freezing keeps your cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain their soft, delicate texture.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake your chilled dough for roughly 15 minutes, watching closely for the edges to start turning a light golden color. This baking time yields cookies that are perfectly soft inside with just enough structure to hold up to the glaze.
Step 9: Cool on Sheets
After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 15 minutes so they can set beautifully. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, making sure your glaze goes on smooth and shiny.
Step 10: Prepare Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy. This glaze is sweet yet tart, with a lovely zing that complements the limoncello and lemon notes in your cookies perfectly.
Step 11: Glaze the Cookies
Set a baking sheet under your wire racks to catch drips, then spoon the glaze generously over each cookie. Spread it out fully and let the extra glaze drip down—it’s all part of the charm!
Step 12: Let Glaze Set and Garnish
Allow the glaze to harden for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. Once set, sprinkle your cookies with decorator sugar crystals and additional lemon zest to add sparkle and elevate that fresh citrus aroma.
How to Serve Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine with simple yet elegant garnishes like sparkling sugar crystals and zest from a fresh lemon. The added texture and freshness make each bite as inviting as the last, and they look stunning on any dessert tray.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of herbal tea, a fresh lemonade, or even a creamy espresso to complement their rich lemon-ricotta flavor. They also pair wonderfully with light, fruity desserts or fresh berries if you want to make an indulgent spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these glazed beauties on a rustic wooden board or arrange them beautifully on a tiered dessert stand for your next party. Wrapped individually in parchment with a ribbon, they also make lovely homemade gifts, guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to receive them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft, and storing them away from heat preserves the delicate limoncello glaze’s fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on the baking sheets for up to one month. When ready to bake, pop them directly from the freezer into the oven, adding a couple more minutes to the bake time. Once baked and glazed, it’s best to enjoy fresh rather than freeze.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cookies slightly before serving, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brightens the flavors without melting the glaze. Avoid oven reheat as it can soften the glaze too much.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Ricotta adds creaminess and a tender crumb to the dough. Using cream cheese or mascarpone could work, but it will slightly change the texture and moisture content. Stick with ricotta for the most authentic results.
Is Limoncello necessary in the glaze?
Limoncello provides a uniquely bright, boozy lemon flavor, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply replace it with an equal amount of fresh lemon juice. Your glaze will still be deliciously vibrant.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Freezing the cookie dough before baking is key. It helps the cookies keep their shape and ensures a chewy yet tender texture without excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You could try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. However, texture might vary slightly, so be prepared for a bit of experimentation.
What if I don’t have Meyer lemons?
Regular lemons work perfectly well here. Meyer lemons add a slightly sweeter, more floral note, but regular lemon juice and zest still provide plenty of bright, classic citrus flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe enough if you want to treat yourself or impress guests with something fresh, flavorful, and fun. The soft, ricotta-enriched dough combined with the glossy lemon-limoncello glaze offers a truly delightful experience that’s perfect any time of year. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of these stunning, mouthwatering cookies—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cookies with Limoncello Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight in these soft, flavorful cookies enhanced with creamy ricotta and vibrant lemon zest, topped with a glossy limoncello lemon glaze for a perfectly refreshing treat. These cookies combine a tender crumb with a zesty citrus punch and an elegant glaze, making them ideal for gatherings or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 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
Glaze
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line 2 to 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure even baking and prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt using an electric hand mixer. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and softened butter with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a smooth, well-combined dough base.
- Add Ricotta and Citrus: Beat in the ricotta cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined, infusing the dough with creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Shape and Freeze Dough: Drop dollops of cookie dough about 1-1/2 tablespoons each onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing well apart. Freeze the cookie dough on the sheets for one hour to help preserve shape and texture during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the chilled cookie dough in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are just slightly golden, ensuring a soft yet structured cookie.
- Cool on Sheets: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for 15 minutes to set. Then transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: While cookies cool, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and limoncello in a small bowl, stirring until smooth to create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Position Baking Sheet: Place a baking sheet under the wire racks to catch any glaze drips and keep your workspace clean.
- Glaze the Cookies: Spoon the lemon glaze over each cooled cookie, spreading to the edges and letting excess glaze drip onto the baking sheet below.
- Let Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to harden at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to meld flavors and form a firm, pleasant surface.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the glazed cookies with decorator sugar crystals and additional lemon zest for extra sparkle and citrus punch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your beautifully glazed limoncello cookies are ready to delight. Buon Appetito!
Notes
- Freezing the dough before baking ensures cookies hold their shape and have a tender texture.
- Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a more uniform dough and better texture.
- If limoncello is unavailable, substitute with additional lemon juice to maintain the citrus glaze flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Decorator sugar crystals add a festive sparkle and slight crunch to the finished cookies.
