Italian Lemon Drop Cookies: A Zesty Delight

 

Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, also known as Anginetti, are a burst of sunshine in every bite. These tender, cake-like cookies are glazed with a sweet lemon icing, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. They’re a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, as a dessert, or simply as a snack. Let’s dive into making these zesty Italian cookies.

Who Will Love These Cookies? Italian Lemon Drop Cookies are a fantastic choice for anyone who appreciates the refreshing taste of lemons in their desserts. They make a great addition to a dessert platter, an afternoon tea, or a homemade gift. If you’re a fan of citrusy sweets, these cookies are sure to please your taste buds.

Why These Cookies Are Great

• Zesty Flavor: The lemon zest and juice add a vibrant and tangy flavor to the cookies.
• Tender Texture: These cookies have a cake-like, tender texture that’s irresistible.
• Sweet Glaze: The lemon icing provides the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the citrusy notes.
• Versatile: Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, these cookies fit the bill.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need Before we start baking, let’s make sure you have the necessary kitchen equipment to create these delicious Italian Lemon Drop Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a mixing bowl for the cookie dough and another for the icing.
• Electric Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer is helpful for beating the butter and sugar.
• Baking Sheets: For placing the cookie dough.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets for easy removal and cleanup.
• Citrus Zester: To zest the lemons.

Now that you have your equipment ready, let’s start creating these delightful Italian Lemon Drop Cookies.

The Recipe: Italian Lemon Drop Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 2 lemons

For the Lemon Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for desired icing consistency)

Directions:

Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Form Cookie Dough: Scoop or roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lemon Icing:

1. Prepare the Lemon Icing: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add milk as needed to achieve the desired icing consistency.
2. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon icing over each cookie.
3. Let the Icing Set: Allow the icing to set before serving the cookies. You can also garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.

Recipe Notes

• Storage: Store your Italian Lemon Drop Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for several days.
• Zesting Tips: When zesting lemons, be sure to only scrape off the yellow zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Customization: If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a little extra lemon zest to the cookie dough or icing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand. However, fresh lemon zest is highly recommended for the best results.
• Can I make the cookies without icing? Certainly! If you prefer a less sweet or simpler cookie, you can skip the lemon icing. The cookies are delicious on their own.
• Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies without the icing. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Can I use salted butter? Using unsalted butter is recommended, as it allows you to control the salt content in the recipe. If you choose to use salted butter, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe.

Savor the Zesty Delight! Now that you have the recipe for these delectable Italian Lemon Drop Cookies, it’s time to savor the delightful blend of sweet, zesty lemon and tender, cake-like cookies. Whether you’re enjoying them with tea, sharing them with loved ones, or simply treating yourself to a burst of citrusy flavor, these cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. If you loved this recipe, consider subscribing to our blog for more mouthwatering dessert ideas and culinary inspirations. And don’t forget to share this zesty Italian Lemon Drop Cookies recipe with friends and family who appreciate the bright and tangy taste of lemon in their sweets. Enjoy the zesty delight!