Description
Soft, buttery, and delicately sweet, these Italian Lemon Knot Cookies are infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright citrus flavor. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, they are elegant, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Roll small portions of dough into ropes about 8 inches long. Twist each rope into a knot shape and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops remain pale.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For extra citrus flavor, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice.
Substitute part of the lemon zest with orange zest for a softer citrus blend.
Add a splash of vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
Sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for a festive touch.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
If frozen, thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
