Name: Biscotti al Limone (Soft Lemon Cookies)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Sunshine in Every Bite

Biscotti al Limone (Soft Lemon Cookies) — Simple dough, bright lemon flavor, and just one bowl. These soft, zesty cookies bake quickly and stay fresh for days.

Picture this: you take a bite of a soft, tender cookie, and there it is just the right whisper of lemon. It’s bright, fragrant, and honestly, a bit magical. That’s what Biscotti al Limone is all about. Now, don’t get it twisted; these aren’t the crunchy biscotti you dip in your coffee. Nope! These are soft and pillowy, just right for when you need a little lift. Enjoy them with a cup of espresso, an afternoon tea, or hey, even a chilled glass of limoncello. Trust me, it’s like a mini-Italian getaway in your mouth.

So, let’s talk lemons. Italy and lemons? It’s a match made in heaven, especially in places like Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. For ages, bakers have been mixing lemon zest and juice into all sorts of goodies, cakes, pastries, you name it. Biscotti al Limone probably started as a simple home-baked delight, something fresh and easy, capturing those sunny flavors of Italian orchards in every crumb.

A Simple Joy That Lasts

These cookies? They’re soft inside, just lightly golden on the outside, and oh, that kiss of lemon zest! You’ll find yourself wanting to whip up batch after batch, not because they’re fancy, but because they just make you feel good. Seriously, every bite is like a warm hug from Italy, a little reminder of the joy of sharing good food with friends and family.

Soft Lemon Cookies

There’s something about a soft lemon cookie that just feels like a hug in edible form. These Biscotti al Limone are tender, lightly sweet, and bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor, the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like sunshine.

Each cookie has a soft, pillowy center and a gently golden top, kissed with just enough glaze to make it sparkle without being too sweet. What makes them truly special is how simple they are. No fancy techniques.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Chill Time 20

Total Time 55

Servings: 36 Cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp lemon zest
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk

Glaze

1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Add half the flour mixture, then mix in the buttermilk. Add remaining flour and mix until smooth.
The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. Cover and chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are just lightly golden and tops are set (they should stay pale).
Let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Glaze the Cookies
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and slightly thick.
Once cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon.
Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Extra Lemony: Love citrus? Add a little extra lemon zest or a tiny splash of lemon extract to make these cookies really sing.

Soft & Tender: Don’t overbake! The cookies should be lightly golden on top but still soft in the middle — they’ll firm up a bit as they cool.

Shaping Made Easy: If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes before scooping. It makes the cookies easier to handle and keeps them from spreading too much.

Glaze Tips: For a smoother, glossy glaze, sift the powdered sugar before mixing. Adjust the lemon juice to get your desired consistency — thick enough to coat, thin enough to drizzle.

Serving

Biscotti al Limone are versatile little treats that shine in many settings. Here’s how to serve them like a pro (or just for pure enjoyment!):

With a Hot Beverage: Pair with a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or afternoon tea — the soft, lemony sweetness complements warm drinks perfectly.
Chilled Drinks: Serve alongside a glass of chilled limoncello, lemonade, or even sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.
Breakfast or Brunch: Add a few to a breakfast spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, or muffins for a bright, sunny start to the day.
Gift or Treat: Stack them in a decorative box or tin for a homemade gift — everyone loves the cheerful look and fragrant aroma.

These cookies are simple yet special, perfect for everyday moments, gatherings with friends, or anytime you want a little slice of Italian sunshine on your plate.

Flavor Variations

Super Easy & Fast Biscotti al Limone (Lemon Cookies)

Poppy Seeds: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and that classic lemon-poppy flavor combination.
White Chocolate: Fold in small white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet contrast to the tangy lemon.
Almond or Vanilla Twist: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract or an extra ½ teaspoon vanilla for a gentle, nutty warmth.
Ginger Zest: Mix in a little finely grated fresh ginger or ground ginger for a warm, spicy lift.
Glazed Citrus Mix: Try a drizzle of orange or lime glaze instead of lemon for a playful citrus medley.

While classic Biscotti al Limone are bright and citrusy on their own, there are plenty of ways to give them a little twist and make them uniquely yours. These little tweaks let you make each batch a bit different, keeping your cookies exciting and perfect for sharing with friends or gifting.

Storage

These soft lemon cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they keep well if stored properly. Once completely cooled:

Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and tender for up to 5 days.

Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with glaze.

Glaze: Always glaze the cookies after cooling (or after thawing if frozen) so the icing doesn’t melt and keeps a nice, glossy finish.

These cookies are forgiving they stay soft, fragrant, and just a little bit magical even after a few days. Perfect for baking ahead for parties, gifts, or just a sweet treat to have on hand.