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Lemon Shortbread Cookies

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (+30 minutes chill time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 57 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, European
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Lemon Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, and delicately crisp, with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy lemon flavor. Made with simple ingredients, they have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of citrus that makes them irresistible!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prep:
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cream the Butter & Sugar:
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Mix in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
  • Add Dry Ingredients:
  • Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
  • The dough will be soft but not sticky.
  • Shape the Cookies:
  • Roll dough into a log (about 2 inches thick) and wrap in plastic wrap.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes for easier slicing.
  • Slice into ¼-inch rounds or roll out and cut with cookie cutters.
  • Bake:
  • Place cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  • Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
  • Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
  • Drizzle or dip cooled cookies in glaze.

Notes

  • For extra lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer.
  • Variations: Try dipping in white chocolate or adding poppy seeds for a twist!
  • Recipe Details

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~120
  • Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Sodium: ~30mg
  • Fat: ~7g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12g
  • Fiber: ~0g
  • Protein: ~1g
  • Cholesterol: ~15mg