Limoncello Glazed Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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If you’re searching for a bright, zesty treat that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Limoncello Glazed Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, pillowy lemon cookies made with creamy ricotta cheese, bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, and then topped with a shiny, luscious glaze infused with the delicate notes of limoncello. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a subtle boozy twist that’ll have you reaching for one after another. These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re downright irresistible and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a little personal indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create truly exceptional cookies. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy ricotta adding moistness to the fresh citrus zest brightening every bite. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons): Provides the sturdy base for tender, soft cookies.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle lift for a light texture.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with baking powder to ensure perfect rise.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Sugar (1 ¾ cups): Sweetens with a nice caramel note when creamed with butter.
• Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Creates richness and tender crumb.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese (1 container, 15 ounces): The secret to moist, creamy texture and subtle tang.
• Freshly-squeezed Meyer lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Delivers refreshing citrus brightness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity.
• Lemon zest (from 1 large lemon): Infuses intense lemon aroma and flavor.
• Lemon extract (½ teaspoon): Boosts that classic lemon punch.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base for the smooth, glossy glaze.
• Extra lemon zest (4-5 tablespoons): Zingy addition to the glaze for freshness.
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice for glaze (2 tablespoons): Keeps the glaze tangy and vibrant.
• Limoncello (2 tablespoons): Imparts a subtle, aromatic lemon liqueur flavor – the star of the glaze.
• Decorator sugar crystals (for garnish): Adds sparkle and a sweet crunch.
• Additional lemon zest (for garnish): A pretty, fragrant finishing touch.

How to Make Limoncello Glazed Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line two to three baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Proper preparation here means no surprises later with sticky bottoms or unevenly baked cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt using an electric hand mixer or a sturdy whisk. Setting this mixture aside ensures you’ll incorporate these essentials evenly throughout your dough for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, usually about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is critical because it introduces air, which helps your cookies achieve a light, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully combined before adding the next. This method guarantees a smooth dough base that will hold together beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Add Ricotta and Citrus

Next, it’s time to fold in the ricotta cheese along with fresh Meyer lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Mixing all these in infuses the dough with creamy richness and a vibrant lemony kick that makes these cookies truly special.

Step 6: Combine Flour Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can lead to tougher cookies. We want tender, soft bites packed with flavor.

Step 7: Shape and Freeze Dough

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough about one and a half tablespoons each onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them well to allow room for spreading. Freeze the dough on the sheets for one whole hour — this chilling step helps the cookies keep their shape and develop the perfect texture during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Pop the chilled cookies into the preheated oven and bake for roughly 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a soft golden color. This bake time yields soft, delicate cookies with just a hint of crispness at the edges.

Step 9: Cool on Baking Sheets

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 15 minutes after baking to set. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before moving on to glazing, ensuring the glaze adheres perfectly and doesn’t melt away.

Step 10: Prepare and Apply the Glaze for Limoncello Glazed Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth to craft a bright, glossy glaze. Place a baking sheet beneath your wire rack to catch drips, then spoon this luscious glaze over each cookie, letting it spread to the edges and drip down naturally.

Step 11: Let the Glaze Set and Garnish

Allow the glaze to harden at room temperature for one to two hours. Once set, sprinkle the cookies with decorator sugar crystals and a touch of fresh lemon zest for an irresistible final flourish that adds sparkle and extra zing.

How to Serve Limoncello Glazed Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing these cookies is a fun way to boost both flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of sparkling sugar crystals adds delightful texture, while a light dusting of fresh lemon zest enhances aroma and gives an inviting pop of color that will catch everyone’s eye.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own but also play wonderfully alongside a cup of hot Earl Grey tea or a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade, complementing the citrus notes beautifully. For an adult twist, a small pour of limoncello on the side keeps the festive theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, stack the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in pretty boxes tied with yellow ribbon to highlight their sunny personality. You can also arrange them on a platter with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of mint for a charming, fresh dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your limoncello glazed lemon ricotta cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to three days, though they’re usually gone before then thanks to their irresistible flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze the cookies before glazing. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and apply the glaze fresh for best results.

Reheating

To refresh slightly softened cookies, simply warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This gentle heat brings back that just-baked softness and intensifies the limoncello glaze’s flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemon juice instead of Meyer lemon juice?

Absolutely! Regular lemon juice works perfectly fine. Meyer lemons are sweeter and less tart, so using them adds a subtle difference, but ordinary lemon juice provides the classic bright flavor just as well.

What if I don’t have limoncello? Can I leave it out?

You can substitute the limoncello with an extra 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in the glaze if needed. While limoncello adds a unique floral lemon liqueur note, the cookies will still taste wonderful without it.

Why is ricotta cheese used in this cookie recipe?

Ricotta cheese brings creamy moisture and a tender texture that makes these cookies soft and slightly cakey inside. It’s the secret ingredient that sets this cookie apart from your typical lemon cookie.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Replacing the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend could work, but results may vary. The texture might change slightly, so I recommend testing a small batch first to see how they turn out.

How long should I let the glaze set before serving?

Let the glaze set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. This allows it to harden just enough to hold its glossy look and creates a lovely contrast with the soft cookie beneath.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about the combination of zesty lemons, creamy ricotta, and that boozy hint of limoncello shining through in this Limoncello Glazed Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you smile every time you bite into it and begs to be shared with friends and family. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie that brightens any day!

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