Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, or Anginetti in Italian, are a delightful treat that balances the sweetness of cookies with the zesty freshness of lemons. These soft and cake-like cookies are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert after a hearty Italian meal. Let’s dive into the recipe for these lemony delights.

Why Choose Italian Lemon Drop Cookies?

Before we start baking, let’s explore why Italian Lemon Drop Cookies are such a delightful choice for a sweet treat:

1. Burst of Citrus Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest adds a burst of citrusy goodness that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

2. Soft and Tender Texture: These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth, making them a delightful change from traditional crunchy cookies.

3. Versatile Delight: Whether you’re sharing them with family, giving them as a gift, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, Italian Lemon Drop Cookies are a versatile treat.

Now, before we get started, let’s make sure you have the necessary kitchen equipment.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To create these delightful Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, ensure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need mixing bowls for combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is handy for creaming the butter and sugar, but you can also mix by hand.
• Baking Sheets: Baking sheets are essential for placing the cookie dough on, lined with parchment paper.

With your kitchen equipped, let’s gather the ingredients for this delightful recipe.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Now that we have everything ready, let’s start baking!

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor

1. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re set and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Make Lemon Glaze

While the cookies are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more or less lemon juice to reach your desired thickness.

Step 9: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are out of the oven and have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the lemon glaze over each cookie.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the glaze to set before enjoying your Italian Lemon Drop Cookies.

Tips and Variations

• If you like a more intense lemon flavor, add a little more lemon juice or zest to the glaze.
• For a unique twist, you can add a touch of limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur, to the glaze.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. The glazing is best done just before serving to maintain the glaze’s freshness.

How should I store Italian Lemon Drop Cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for a few days.

In Conclusion

Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, or Anginetti, are a delightful and refreshing treat that brings a burst of citrusy flavor to your palate. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or to satisfy your sweet tooth, these soft and tender cookies are a delightful choice. Baking Italian Lemon Drop Cookies is a delightful way to enjoy the zesty freshness of lemons in a sweet and soft cookie. So, get ready to indulge in these lemony delights!