Maggiano’s lemon cookies are soft, buttery, and infused with a refreshing lemon flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies are light, sweet, and tangy, making them a delightful dessert or snack. Recreate this restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Bright and refreshing: Perfectly balanced lemon flavor in every bite.
Soft and chewy texture: Melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Easy to make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Versatile: Ideal for parties, holidays, or as an everyday treat.
Crowd-pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike.

What Are Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies?

Maggiano’s lemon cookies are a classic Italian-inspired dessert featuring a soft, buttery cookie base flavored with fresh lemon juice and zest. They’re topped with a light lemon glaze, adding an extra layer of zesty sweetness.

Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies:

Unsalted butter: ½ cup (softened)
Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
Egg: 1 large
Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour: 1¾ cups
Baking powder: ½ teaspoon
Salt: A pinch

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar: 1 cup
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or lemon juice if needed.

Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top or dip each cookie into the glaze for a more even coating. Let the glaze set before serving.

Other Recipes

What to Serve with Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies

Tea or coffee: Pairs perfectly with a hot beverage.
Fresh berries: Add a fruity touch to complement the lemon flavor.
Vanilla ice cream: Serve alongside for a refreshing dessert.
Lemon curd: Spread on the cookies for an extra zesty treat.

Expert Tips for Perfect Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies

Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies as soon as the edges turn golden for a soft texture.
Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Adjust glaze consistency: Make it thicker for drizzling or thinner for dipping.
Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Variations of Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies

Add white chocolate chips: For a sweeter, creamier twist.
Use lime or orange: Swap lemon for lime or orange for a citrus variation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
Make sandwich cookies: Add lemon curd or buttercream between two cookies.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

How to Store Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies Leftovers

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat or Maggiano’s Lemon Cookies Serve

Room temperature: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.
Microwave: Warm for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly.

Nutrition Value (Per Cookie)

Calories: 120
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g

FAQs

How do I make Maggiano’s lemon cookies soft and chewy?

To keep Maggiano’s lemon cookies soft and chewy, do not overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden. Chilling the dough before baking also helps retain moisture.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for Maggiano’s lemon cookies?

While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a more vibrant and authentic lemon flavor that enhances the taste of the cookies.

How do I store Maggiano’s lemon cookies?

Store Maggiano’s lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

What can I add to Maggiano’s lemon cookies for extra flavor?

You can add white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a pinch of cardamom to the dough for additional flavor. Drizzling melted white chocolate over the cookies is also a great option.

Final Words

Maggiano’s lemon cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrusy goodness to any occasion. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, they’re perfect for dessert trays, tea parties, or simply enjoying at home. Try this recipe today and enjoy these zesty, buttery cookies!