These are the soft, puffy, tender Italian-American lemon drop cookies many people grew up with in Brooklyn bakeries-lightly sweet with a bright lemon glaze. The convenient 2-pack gives you one container to enjoy now and one to save or share for coffee, holidays, gifts, or everyday treats.
These cookies have the classic soft, puffy, cake-like crumb of traditional Italian pastry shop lemon drops not the hard, dry crunch of biscotti or many store-bought lemon cookies. They stay tender thanks to the recipe’s balance of enriched flour, eggs, and vegetable shortening, finished with a smooth, sweet-tart lemon glaze made with natural lemon flavor and lemon oil.
The bright citrus flavor shines without overpowering the subtle sweetness, making them versatile for both casual snacking and more formal dessert trays.
Open the container and serve straight from the pack or arrange on a tray. They pair beautifully with hot or cold drinks and simple desserts.
Tip: If your kitchen runs warm, refrigeration is especially recommended to preserve the soft, cake-like quality.
Ingredients: Enriched flour, sugar, eggs, vegetable shortening, natural lemon flavor, icing (powdered sugar, water, and lemon oil).
Contains: Wheat, eggs. Produced in a facility that may process nuts or other allergens.
Family Tip: My mom loved these with a scoop of lemon ice on a warm afternoon - the cold, tangy sorbet against the soft glazed cookie is simple but unforgettable. They also work beautifully crumbled over vanilla ice cream or paired with fresh ricotta for an easy Italian-inspired dessert.
Q Are Mama Rao’s lemon drop cookies soft?
A Yes - they have the signature soft, puffy, cake-like texture of classic Italian-American bakery lemon drops, finished with a smooth sweet glaze. They are not hard or crunchy like biscotti.
Q How many cookies are in the 2-pack?
A Two 14 oz containers for a total of about 20 cookies. Exact count can vary slightly depending on cookie size.
Q How should I store these soft glazed cookies?
A Keep sealed and refrigerated for best freshness (up to 5–7 days). Let them come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for longer storage (see storage guide above).
Q What are the best pairings for these cookies?
A Coffee, espresso, or tea; lemon ice or sorbet; fresh berries; or as part of an Italian cookie tray for holidays and parties.
Q Where are Mama Rao’s cookies from?
A Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. They are made from a traditional family recipe that has been enjoyed for generations in the Italian-American community.