Italian Lemon Cookies


3 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
4 oz. (1 stick) butter, softened
grated zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 T. orange juice
colored candy sprinkles


In a small bowl, sift flour and baking powder together. In mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar
until light and lemon colored. Add the softened butter and lemon zest.

Slowly beat in the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract.

Dough should be soft. Divide dough into 6 sections. Roll out each section into a rope 1/2″ wide.
Cut into 3″ pieces and twist each piece to form a loop. Place on a greased baking sheet or a
parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in a 350o oven for 10-12 minutes or until light brown.
Remove from oven and cool. Combine the powdered sugar and enough orange juice to form a thin
icing. Brush on top of cookies and sprinkle with colored candies. Makes about 4- dozen cookies,
depending on size and shape of cookie.

Note: These are popular in Italy during the Easter and Christmas holidays. Be as creative as your
imagination takes you as to what shapes to create*snails, bunny rabbits, S shapes, whatever strikes
your fancy! You can always find these lemon cookies in Italian pastry shops in Brooklyn.

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