Perfect melt in your mouth Lemon Cookies. If you love anything lemon then you are going to love these cookies. Light and easy to make, with a tasty lemon glaze, they are sure to satisfy any lemon lover!
When I first started thinking about recipes for my cookbook Authentic Italian Desserts, I knew I had to include a few lemon recipes. And these cookies are one of our favourites.
Italians cannot live without lemons. It’s difficult to hear of a sweet recipe from a Cake to a Pastry Cream that doesn’t include the zest of a lemon.
And these Italian Lemon Cookies are definitely not short on Lemon. These buttery shortbread type of cookie are even better with a simple lemon glaze or if you prefer a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
LEMON COOKIES
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour (162 grams)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons cornstarch (50 grams)
zest & juice of one lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)
1 pinch salt
3/4 cup +2 tablespoons butter (softened)* (185 grams)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 grams)
*I use salted butter, if you use unsalted then increase the salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
LEMON GLAZE
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (strained)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
1 zest lemon
Instructions
LEMON COOKIES
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, zest and salt.
In a large bowl, beat on medium speed the butter and sugar until fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Then add half the flour and the lemon juice beat to combine. Then add the remaining flour and with a wooden spoon or spatula combine to form a dough (the dough will be a little sticky, if the dough is too sticky then add 1-2 tablespoons of flour).
Transfer the dough to a large piece of parchment paper and roll the dough into a log approximately 1 1/2 inches (4cm) wide. Wrap the dough in the parchment paper and refrigerate for one hour.
Remove the dough from the fridge and cut into 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) slices. Place the slices on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Pre-heat oven to 320F (120C).
Bake the cookies for 5 minutes, then raise the oven temperature to 350F (180C) and continue to bake for 9-10 minutes. The should be light gold in colour. Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies can be either dusted with powdered sugar or spread with a lemon glaze. Enjoy!
LEMON GLAZE
In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, powdered sugar and zest until smooth.