Italian Lemon Drop Cookies

This hearty Italian lemon drop cookies recipe has been a staple in my family for generations, bringing a touch of sunshine to every special occasion with their soft texture and bright citrus flavor. These traditional anginetti cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and zesty lemon that makes them irresistible.

I first discovered these cookies at my Italian grandmother's house during Easter celebrations. The bright lemony flavor and soft texture immediately captured my heart, and now they're requested at every family gathering we host.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides the perfect structure for these soft Italian cookies
• Baking powder: gives them their characteristic light and airy texture
• Butter: adds richness and helps create that melt in your mouth quality
• Lemon extract: delivers concentrated citrus flavor throughout the dough and glaze
• Confectioners sugar: creates a smooth sweet glaze that sets beautifully
• Eggs: bind the ingredients while adding moisture and richness
• Granulated sugar: balances the tart lemon notes with just the right sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly textured cookies.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

Beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air into the dough which helps create that tender crumb Italian cookies are known for.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the lemon extract. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point but will come together when the flour is added.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until smooth. Avoid overmixing which can develop gluten and make the cookies tough. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold its shape.

Chill and Portion:

Refrigerate the dough until firm enough to handle, about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and helps prevent excessive spreading. Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookies that will bake evenly.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the dough balls on prepared cookie sheets and bake in a preheated oven until just set and barely golden at the edges. They should remain pale on top to maintain their tender texture.

Create the Lemon Glaze:

Whisk together confectioners sugar, water, and lemon extract until smooth. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. Adjust consistency with more sugar or water as needed.

Glaze and Decorate:

Once cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze allowing excess to drip off. While still wet, add sprinkles or lemon zest if desired. Let the glaze set completely before storing.

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My favorite part of this recipe is adding fresh lemon zest to both the dough and as a garnish on top of the glaze. The natural oils in the zest release an amazing aroma that fills the kitchen and brings the flavor to another level entirely. My children always know what I'm baking the moment they walk through the door when these cookies are in the oven.

Storage Solutions

These lemon drop cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The texture actually improves after the first day as the flavors meld and the cookies become even softer. For longer storage, place unfrosted cookies in freezer bags with parchment between layers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw completely at room temperature before glazing. The glaze itself doesn't freeze well, so always add it fresh after thawing for the best appearance and texture.

Flavor Variations

While the classic lemon version holds a special place in Italian tradition, this versatile dough welcomes creative adaptations. Try replacing the lemon extract with orange, almond, or anise for different flavor profiles that still honor the Italian cookie tradition. For an extra special touch, add a tablespoon of limoncello to the glaze for a sophisticated adult version. During Christmas, I often divide the glaze and tint portions with red and green food coloring for a festive holiday presentation that delights guests of all ages.

Serving Suggestions

These bright cookies pair beautifully with afternoon tea or coffee, offering a perfect contrast to the bitter notes in the beverages. In Italy, anginetti traditionally appear on cookie trays for weddings, baptisms, and Easter celebrations. Serve them alongside other Italian favorites like biscotti and pizzelle for an authentic cookie platter. For a simple but elegant dessert, place a scoop of lemon sorbet between two cookies to create a delightful ice cream sandwich that showcases the citrus flavors.

Cultural Significance

Anginetti cookies hold deep cultural significance in Italian cuisine, particularly in Southern Italian regions. These cookies symbolize celebration and family gatherings, often making appearances at important life events. The ring or knot shape that traditional anginetti sometimes take represents the unbroken circle of family and the continuity of traditions passed through generations. While my recipe uses the simpler drop method, the essence of these special occasion cookies remains the same. Each family typically has their own slight variation, with recipes jealously guarded and passed down through generations.

Common Queries

→ How do you keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container after cooling completely. You can also add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture.

→ Can I add fresh lemon zest to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor and brings a brighter aroma to each bite.

→ What is the best method for glazing?

Dip the tops of completely cooled cookies into the lemon glaze, then place them on a wire rack to allow excess glaze to drip off.

→ How can I freeze these cookies?

Freeze the cookies without glaze in an airtight container. Glaze them after thawing to preserve their texture and flavor.

→ Are these cookies suitable for special occasions?

Yes, their bright flavor and decorative glaze make them perfect for holidays, celebrations, and cookie trays.