Description
These delightful Cookies with Limoncello Glaze combine soft, tender ricotta-laden cookies infused with vibrant lemon flavors and topped with a glossy, zesty limoncello glaze. Perfect for gatherings or as a bright treat to brighten any day, these cookies offer a harmonious balance of creamy texture and refreshing citrus notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2-1/2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1¾ 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)
Garnish
- Decorator sugar crystals
- Additional lemon zest
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 cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 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, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, well-mixed dough base.
- Add Ricotta and Citrus: Add ricotta cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract into the wet mixture and beat until well combined, infusing the dough with rich creaminess and vibrant lemon flavor.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Shape and Freeze Dough: Using a spoon, drop dollops of cookie dough about 1-1/2 tablespoons each onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them well apart. Freeze the cookie dough on the baking sheets for one hour to preserve shape and texture during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the chilled cookie dough in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until edges just start turning slightly golden, ensuring a soft yet structured cookie.
- Cool on Sheets: Remove baking sheets from the oven and allow cookies to rest for 15 minutes to set. Then transfer the cookies onto wire racks and let cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: While cookies cool, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl, stirring until smooth to form a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Position Baking Sheet: Place a baking sheet under the wire racks to catch any glaze drips, keeping your workspace clean.
- Glaze the Cookies: Spoon the lemon glaze over each cooled cookie, spreading it to the edges and letting excess glaze drip down onto the baking sheet below.
- Let Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to harden at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before serving, letting the flavors meld and the surface become pleasantly firm.
- 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 cookie dough helps maintain the cookies’ shape and tender texture during baking.
- Use Meyer lemons if available for a sweeter, more aromatic lemon flavor.
- The ricotta should be pressed to remove excess liquid for the best dough consistency.
- If limoncello is not preferred or unavailable, substitute with an additional 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Allow the glaze to fully set for the best texture and presentation.
- Decorator sugar crystals add a festive sparkle but can be omitted if unavailable.
