Soft Limoncello Sugar Cookies

Name: Soft Limoncello Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons limoncello; Zest of 1 lemon; Additional granulated sugar for rolling; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Pastry Dreams

I absolutely love baking these Soft Limoncello Sugar Cookies! The light lemony zest combined with a delightful sweetness makes for an irresistible treat. When I take a bite, the soft and chewy texture just melts in my mouth. Each batch fills my kitchen with a bright, citrus aroma that instantly lifts my mood. These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a refreshing beverage, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:22:13.731Z

Baking these Soft Limoncello Sugar Cookies has become a cherished tradition in my home. I discovered that the secret to their softness is the addition of sour cream, which keeps them moist and tender even days after baking. The hint of limoncello liqueur gives them a vibrant flavor that’s simply irresistible!

As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I often tweak the recipe by adding a bit of lemon zest for an extra punch. This little addition enhances the cookie's citrus profile, making them ideal for dessert tables or festive gatherings. It's a treat that's both simple and oh-so-satisfying.

Why You'll Love These Cookies
A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Soft and chewy texture that stays fresh for days
Ideal for festive occasions or casual snacking

Mastering the Perfect Cookie Texture

Achieving the soft, chewy texture in these Limoncello Sugar Cookies is all about the right mixing method and baking time. After creaming the butter with the sugars, you should aim for a light and fluffy consistency. This allows air to incorporate into the dough, resulting in a wonderfully tender cookie. Remember, overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients can lead to tougher cookies, so mix just until combined.

Another key to maintaining that soft texture is the baking time. You want to pull them out of the oven when they still look slightly underbaked. This usually takes around 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). They will continue to set on the baking sheet, creating a delightful, chewy center with slightly crisp edges.

Ingredient Insights

Limoncello is the star of this recipe, lending a vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugars. If you find yourself without limoncello, a homemade lemon syrup or even a splash of lemon juice can be a suitable substitute, though it may alter the sweetness balance slightly. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly if you opt for a more acidic substitute.

The use of both granulated and powdered sugar contributes to the cookie's unique texture. Granulated sugar creates structure, while the powdered sugar aids in tenderness and a slightly crisp outer layer. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using coconut sugar, but keep in mind it may result in a darker color and a different flavor profile.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Soft Limoncello Sugar Cookies can be made ahead of time, and they store beautifully. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and they'll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If serving for a special occasion, try decorating them with a simple lemon glaze to elevate their appearance and flavor. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until you reach a drizzle consistency, and let it set on the cookies. This adds an extra zing while keeping the cookies irresistibly soft and fresh.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on these delightful cookies:

Cookie Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons limoncello
Zest of 1 lemon

For Rolling

Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Powdered sugar for dusting

Once you have all your ingredients ready, we can move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Here's how to make these Soft Limoncello Sugar Cookies easily:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Flavors

Mix in the egg, limoncello, and lemon zest until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. They should appear slightly underbaked.

Cool and Dust

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Soft Limoncello Sugar Cookies at room temperature or chilled!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of lemon flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.

Common Troubleshooting

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it may be due to too warm of butter being used in the creaming process. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and use chilled dough for baking. This can help your cookies maintain a beautiful round shape.

In the case that your cookies turn out too dry, it's likely they were overbaked. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time and remember that they should look slightly underbaked when you pull them out of the oven.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful treat, serve these cookies with a cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade. The citrus notes in both the cookies and drink will complement each other beautifully, making for a refreshing snack break.

These cookies are also excellent as part of a dessert platter paired with fresh berries or a scoop of lemon sorbet. The combination creates a citrusy symphony that's perfect for any gathering or celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use lemon juice instead of limoncello?

Yes, but the flavor will be a bit different. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best result.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies in an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with these cookies?

They pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!