Limoncello Lemon Cookies

Name: Limoncello Lemon Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup limoncello; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Timeless Desserts

I absolutely love baking Limoncello Lemon Cookies, especially when I'm looking to impress guests with a burst of zesty flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice and limoncello creates a deliciously fragrant cookie that brightens any gathering. After experimenting with various recipes, I found that chilling the dough is key to achieving the perfect texture. These cookies have a soft interior with a slight crunch on the edges. Trust me, they’re a delightful treat that you won't want to miss!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:49:11.634Z

When I first made these Limoncello Lemon Cookies, I was amazed by how the citrus notes transformed a simple sugar cookie into something extraordinary. The limoncello adds a subtle boozy kick that complements the lemon perfectly. I highly recommend letting the cookies cool fully before dusting them with powdered sugar to ensure a beautiful presentation.

One tip I've found helpful is to use fresh lemon juice over bottled; the flavor is so much more vibrant. If you want an extra zing, zest a bit of lemon into the dough, enhancing the aroma and taste. These cookies are a wonderful way to savor summer all year round!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Zesty lemon flavor combined with a hint of limoncello
Perfectly soft and chewy texture
A delightful treat for gatherings or self-indulgence

      

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that sets these cookies apart. By allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, the flavors meld beautifully, and the butter firms up. This results in cookies that spread perfectly while baking, creating that ideal soft center with just the right amount of crunch at the edges. If you find yourself in a rush, you can chill for shorter intervals, but I highly recommend the full 30 minutes for the best results.

If you're planning to make the dough ahead of time, you can chill it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and shaping, as this makes the dough easier to work with.

Ingredient Insights

Using fresh lemon juice and zest amplifies the vibrant lemon flavor in these cookies. Fresh ingredients will yield a more aromatic and zesty taste compared to bottled alternatives. If you're in a pinch, you could substitute bottled lemon juice, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the zest; zest adds natural oils that enhance flavor significantly.

Limoncello plays a dual role in this recipe. Not only does it contribute a sweet, vibrant orange flavor, but it also helps to tenderize the cookie dough, ensuring the cookies remain soft and chewy. If needed, you could replace limoncello with a mix of lemon juice and a bit of lemon extract for a non-alcoholic version, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cookies!

Limoncello Lemon Cookie Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup limoncello
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

After gathering everything, you're ready to bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cookies!

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the limoncello, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Chill the dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

Shape and bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Finishing touches

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar.

Enjoy your delicious cookies! Perfect with tea or coffee.

Pro Tips

For an added twist, consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Storing and Freezing

These Limoncello Lemon Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Be sure to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you have extras, consider freezing them. Just place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, there's no need to defrost. You can bake them straight from the freezer by adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This method works wonderfully if you're looking to impress guests with a last-minute treat or simply want to indulge yourself!

Serving Suggestions

These cookies float beautifully on their own, but for an elevated experience, consider serving them with a scoop of lemon sorbet or alongside a light berry compote. The tartness of the berries complements the cookies' sweetness, making for a delightful dessert pairing that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

You can also elevate your cookies with a lemon glaze. To make the glaze, simply combine powdered sugar with a bit of fresh lemon juice until you reach a drizzle consistency. Pour it over the cookies for an added zesty touch that not only enhances the flavor but also gives them a lovely, glossy finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of liquor?

Yes, you can experiment with different citrus-based liqueurs like orange liqueur for a different flavor.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What do I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.