Italian Lemon Drop Cookies

If you love the refreshing taste of citrus in desserts, Italian Lemon Drop Cookies are a must-try! With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and tangy-sweet lemon glaze, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday, or just to satisfy your lemon cravings, this recipe delivers a burst of sunshine in every bite. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips for achieving the best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Italian Flavor – Made with real lemon juice and zest for a bright citrusy kick.
• Soft & Cake-Like Texture – These cookies are light, fluffy, and not overly dense.
• Effortless to Bake – Uses basic ingredients with simple, foolproof steps.
• Ideal for Every Event – Perfect for celebrations, tea time, or a sweet daily indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

How to Make Lemon Drop Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and airy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth, soft dough comes together.

Step 2: Shape & Bake

1. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.
3. Take them out of the oven and allow them to cool fully on a wire rack before adding the glaze.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze & Decorate

1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until the glaze is silky smooth.
2. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Place the cookies back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 20 minutes.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
• Lemon Curd Cookies
• Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Drop Cookies

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps control spreading.
• Avoid Overmixing – Stir only until combined for soft, delicate cookies.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled juice won’t give the same fresh, vibrant taste.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency – Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner one.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Keep unglazed cookies frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

What makes Italian Lemon Drop Cookies different from regular cookies?

Italian Lemon Drop Cookies have a light, cake-like texture and a tangy-sweet glaze, making them softer and more delicate than traditional cookies.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice can lack the vibrant citrus notes that make these cookies special.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, your butter may have been too soft, or the dough wasn’t chilled before baking.

Can I add poppy seeds or almonds to the recipe?

Yes! Adding poppy seeds or finely chopped almonds can add a unique twist to these cookies.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! Their delicate texture and beautiful glaze make them perfect for holiday cookie tins and gifts.