Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crisp, and infused with a refreshing citrus flavor. These delicate cookies melt in your mouth with every bite, making them perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or a simple sweet treat. With a balance of zesty lemon and rich buttery goodness, they are a must-try for any citrus lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicate and buttery – Classic shortbread texture with a hint of lemony freshness.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no special equipment required.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for tea parties, holidays, or as a homemade gift.
• Minimal ingredients – Uses basic pantry staples.
• Customizable – Add glaze, drizzle with chocolate, or shape them however you like.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
   • Mix in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
   • Gradually mix into the butter mixture until just combined.
3. Chill the Dough
   • Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Shape and Bake
   • Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes, or slice into rounds.
   • Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve
   • Let cookies cool completely before serving. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Lemon Glaze – Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Lemon Poppy Seed – Add a teaspoon of poppy seeds for extra texture.
• Chocolate-Dipped – Dip half of each cookie in white or dark chocolate.
• Herbal Twist – Infuse the dough with a bit of finely chopped rosemary or thyme.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Serve at room temperature; no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used if needed.

How do I get the best shortbread texture?

Chill the dough before baking and avoid overmixing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Why is my dough too crumbly?

Add a bit more butter or a teaspoon of lemon juice if the dough is too dry.

Can I use salted butter instead?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.

Do I need to use cornstarch?

Cornstarch makes the cookies more tender, but you can replace it with extra flour.

How do I make these cookies crispier?

Bake them a little longer until the edges are golden brown.

Can I roll the dough into a log and slice it?

Yes, this is an easy way to shape shortbread cookies.

What pairs well with these cookies?

They go great with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How do I make the lemon flavor stronger?

Increase the lemon zest and add a little lemon extract if desired.

Conclusion

Lemon Shortbread Cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that brings together buttery richness and zesty citrus. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or dipped in chocolate, they’re a perfect addition to any dessert table. Try them today and savor the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

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