Best 2 Italian Lemon Knot Cookies Recipes

Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors presented by Italian Lemon Knot Cookies, a classic treat that tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible combination of sweet and tangy notes. These delectable morsels, also known as Taralli al Limone, originate from Southern Italy and have captivated hearts across the globe. With their distinctive knot-like shape, they exude an inviting charm that complements their burst of zesty lemon flavor. Embark on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets behind these delightful cookies, exploring variations like the gluten-free and vegan options that cater to diverse dietary preferences. Discover the art of crafting these exquisite treats in the comfort of your own kitchen, and delight in the joy of sharing these handcrafted gems with loved ones.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN LEMON KNOT COOKIES

Italian Lemon Knot Cookies image

These Italian knot cookies are traditionally made for weddings and at Christmas. You can vary the flavor to include your favorite and also use sprinkles that coordinate the time of year.

Provided by Brandi Rose

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian

Time 1h30m

Yield 40

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¼ cup shortening
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon extract
1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons milk, or more as needed
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2 tablespoons multicolored candy sprinkles, or to taste

Steps:

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream sugar, butter, and shortening together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs. Beat in lemon extract. Add flour mixture gradually, beating well to combine. Wrap dough in waxed paper and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2 baking sheets.
Place the dough on a lightly-floured surface. Break off golf ball-sized pieces of dough. Roll each piece into a rope about 7 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. Tie into a knot with one end poking up in the center. Place 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
While cookies bake, combine confectioners' sugar, milk, and lemon extract in a bowl for icing until smooth.
Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Spread icing evenly on top of the slightly warm cookies and add sprinkles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110.9 calories, Carbohydrate 16.1 g, Cholesterol 24.8 mg, Fat 4.3 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 89.7 mg, Sugar 8.7 g

ITALIAN LEMON KNOT COOKIES RECIPE - (4.5/5)

ITALIAN LEMON KNOT COOKIES Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by á-17891

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

5 cups unbleached flour
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 bottle of pure lemon extract or,( 1 oz.)
Grated lemon rind
5 teaspoons of baking powder
1 Cup of sugar
1 3/4 cup of shortening
You can add nonpareils or not, it's up to you, but the frosting is made with pure lemon juice, a little grated lemon peel, and powdered sugar.

Steps:

Mix together flour, eggs, milk, lemon extract and rind, sugar, and baking powder, in large bowl. Add shortening till it forms a dough. You might need to add some more milk or more flour to get the right consistency, but after doing so, take golf ball size pieces and shape them into balls or roll them like a log and tie them in a bow, or make a horseshoe shape and twist them over like I did. Bake at 350 degrees for exactly 15 minutes. When they cool dip them in the icing and place them on wax paper untill they set.

Tips:

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Look for lemons that are bright yellow and heavy for their size.
Zest the lemons finely. This will help to release the most flavor.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to create a smooth and tender cookie.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to prevent the cookies from curdling.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Overmixing will toughen the cookies.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies to hold their shape.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Do not overbake, or the cookies will be dry and crumbly.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Conclusion:

These Italian Lemon Knot Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are light, fluffy, and full of lemon flavor. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that takes these cookies to the next level. Whether you are serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit.