Limoncello Cookies Soft And Chewy

Name: Limoncello Cookies Soft And Chewy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp limoncello; Zest of 2 lemons; 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Highlighted under: Dessert Bliss

I absolutely love baking these Limoncello Cookies! They have a delightful chewyness that perfectly complements the refreshing citrus flavor of limoncello. Each bite transports me to a sunlit terrace in Italy, filled with the fragrant scent of lemon trees. The balance of sweetness and tartness in these cookies makes them an ideal treat for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a cozy night in. I hope you'll enjoy making—and tasting—these cookies as much as I do!

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:19:17.375Z

When I first tried making Limoncello Cookies, I was amazed at how simple yet rewarding the process was. The combination of butter, sugar, and fresh lemon zest really highlights the limoncello flavor, creating a cookie that's both soft and bursting with citrus essence. I recommend taking the time to chill the dough; it helps the flavors meld beautifully and improves the texture.

One of the best tips I discovered is to sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top right before baking. This not only enhances the sweetness but also creates a perfect contrast with the tartness of the lemon, elevating the overall taste profile. Each batch has quickly become a favorite among my friends and family!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Intensely refreshing lemon flavor that lifts your spirits
Soft and chewy texture that's impossible to resist
Perfect for gifting or celebrating any special occasion

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Limoncello Cookies plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the baking powder and baking soda work together to create a tender crumb. The unsalted butter not only enriches the cookies with moisture but also helps carry the bright flavor of the limoncello and lemon zest, making them distinctly aromatic and flavorful.

When selecting limoncello, opt for high-quality brands as they can significantly enhance the cookies' taste. Fresh lemon zest is also essential for a vibrant flavor profile—if you must substitute, use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but the zest truly brightens the cookies' essence. Remember to avoid overly sweet limoncello, as the cookie's sweet balance depends on the tartness from the zest.

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the cookie dough is an important step that shouldn’t be skipped. Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes allows it to firm up, which not only makes the cookies easier to shape but also enhances their chewy texture. This resting period helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, softer final product.

If you're short on time, consider dividing the dough into smaller portions for quicker chilling. Alternatively, if you have extra dough, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before shaping and baking the cookies. This way, you can have a batch of fresh cookies ready for unexpected guests.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp limoncello
Zest of 2 lemons
1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the limoncello and lemon zest.

Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips

For an additional flavor twist, try adding a few tablespoons of chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough for crunch.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Baking these cookies at the correct temperature of 350°F (175°C) is vital to achieving that light, chewy texture. Start checking the cookies around the 10-minute mark, looking for lightly golden edges. If they begin browning too quickly, reduce your oven temperature slightly. Remove them promptly from the oven to allow for residual heat to keep them soft as they cool.

Monitor the cooling process as well; leaving cookies on the baking sheet too long can lead to overbaking. Transferring them to a wire rack immediately helps them maintain their soft center while solidifying adequately. If a cookie crumbles when transferring, allow it to cool a bit more on the sheet—this is an indicator that you may have overbaked your batch!

Serving and Storing Tips

These Limoncello Cookies are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, which adds a touch of sweetness and enhances their visual appeal. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee to complement the bright lemon flavor. They also make lovely gifts when packaged in decorative boxes, making them a thoughtful option for holidays or special occasions.

For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate them in a sealed bag, but be mindful that the texture might change. To revive cookies that have become too firm, give them a few seconds in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they may become dry.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute limoncello with any other citrus-flavored liqueurs or even lemon extract for a non-alcoholic version.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

→ What is the best way to serve these cookies?

These cookies are best served at room temperature, but you can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-baked taste.