Limoncello Lemon Cookies

Name: Limoncello Lemon Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup limoncello; Zest of 2 lemons; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets

I absolutely love baking during the weekends, and these Limoncello Lemon Cookies quickly became a favorite in our household. The combination of zesty lemon and the sweet kick from limoncello creates a refreshing treat that’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Each bite is bursting with citrus flavor, and the light texture makes them feel like a little slice of sunshine. Trust me, once you take one bite, you won't be able to stop craving them!

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:22:16.310Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to create these delightful cookies. The idea of infusing limoncello into a classic lemon cookie appealed to me instantly. After a few tweaks of my own, such as adding lemon zest for extra brightness, these cookies turned out to be a hit during our family gatherings!

Baking always brings me joy, especially when it means sharing delicious treats with loved ones. I recommend letting them cool completely before serving since it enhances their texture. Enjoy them fresh, and watch how quickly they disappear from the cookie jar!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Refreshing lemon flavor with a hint of limoncello
Soft and chewy texture that's irresistible
Perfect for gatherings or a sunny afternoon treat

Mastering the Dough

When preparing the dough for these Limoncello Lemon Cookies, it's important to achieve the right consistency. Start by thoroughly creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together—this process introduces air, resulting in a lighter texture. Look for a pale, fluffy mixture before moving on to the next step. Proper mixing ensures that your cookies rise perfectly and don’t become dense. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tougher cookies, so mix until just combined after adding the dry ingredients.

The addition of limoncello not only provides a delightful flavor boost but also contributes to the cookies' softness. If you find yourself without limoncello, a mix of lemon juice and a splash of vodka can serve as a suitable alternative, though it will slightly change the flavor profile. Remember to adjust the sugar if you use a lower-sweetness substitute, as this mixture is meant to enhance the overall taste while maintaining balance.

Chilling and Baking Secrets

Chilling the dough for at least 15 minutes is a crucial step that tends to be overlooked. This process firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. You want them to hold their shape but still have that soft, chewy center. If you're in a hurry, you can freeze the dough for about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid becoming too hard to scoop.

When it comes to baking, your oven's temperature accuracy is key. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure that you’re baking at the right temperature. Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden, keeping in mind that they may look slightly underdone in the center. They continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven, which is how you achieve that perfect soft texture without drying them out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your delicious cookies!

Cookie Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup limoncello
Zest of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to measure ingredients properly for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Limoncello Lemon Cookies.

Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the limoncello, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Chill and Shape

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Finish Off

Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your Limoncello Lemon Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Remember not to overbake for the best texture!

Pro Tips

For an extra zing, add more lemon zest or a splash more limoncello to the dough. These cookies freeze well too, so you can enjoy them later!

Serving Suggestions

These Limoncello Lemon Cookies shine as a delightful treat paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee, but consider serving them at your next gathering for a refreshing dessert option. They also make a wonderful addition to any picnic spread. For an elevated treat, drizzle a light lemon glaze over the top made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness and a citrusy zest.

If you want to add a twist, consider stuffing these cookies with a lemon cream cheese filling and then dusting them with powdered sugar. This variation takes advantage of the cookies’ soft texture and enhances the lemon flavor, making for a truly irresistible dessert that everyone will be talking about.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To maintain the freshness of your Limoncello Lemon Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you find you have too many cookies, these treats freeze wonderfully! Once cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. They can be stored this way for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that soft, chewy texture.

If you're making the dough ahead of time, it can also be refrigerated for up to 48 hours; just remember to let it come back to room temperature for easier scooping before baking. This can be a great time saver for busy weekends or when planning for events, as you can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies on demand.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought limoncello?

Absolutely! Store-bought limoncello works great in this recipe.

→ Are these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make them gluten-free.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I omit the limoncello?

While limoncello adds a unique flavor, you can replace it with additional lemon juice if you wish.