Buttery Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe That Melts In Your Mouth

Buttery, crumbly cookies dance with zesty lemon shortbread cookies recipe that promise pure delight.

shortbread transforms into a sunshine-kissed treat with a delicate citrus twist.

These melt-in-your-mouth morsels blend classic Scottish tradition with bright, refreshing flavors.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Simple ingredients come together to craft an irresistible sweet that whispers of summer afternoons.

Each bite delivers a delicate crunch followed by a burst of lemony brightness.

You’ll find these cookies impossible to resist and guaranteed to spark joy at any gathering.

Lemon Shortbread Cookies That Impress

• Simplify Sweet Preparation: This Russian buttercream recipe offers a straightforward approach with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Creamy Texture: The detailed mixing technique ensures a luxuriously smooth and light buttercream that spreads effortlessly on cakes and cupcakes.
• Versatile Dessert Companion: Ideal for frosting birthday cakes, wedding desserts, or adding a rich, sweet layer to your favorite baked treats without complicated steps.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requires just a few basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, allowing you to create a delicious frosting that will impress family and friends in no time.

Ingredients For Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: The rich and creamy base that gives shortbread cookies their classic tender texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure and classic shortbread consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, delicate sweetness and contributes to the tender crumb of the cookies.

• Lemon Zest, Vanilla Extract: These ingredients add bright citrus notes and deep aromatic warmth to the cookies.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the shortbread cookies.

Baking Lemon Shortbread Cookies Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and powdered sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy mixture that looks like a sweet dream.

Step 3: Add Sunshine and Flavor

• Freshly grated lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Mix them thoroughly until everything dances together beautifully.

Step 4: Create Cookie Base

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Roll the dough into a log shape on a lightly floured surface.

Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Slice and Prepare

Pull out the chilled dough and slice into delicate 1/4-inch rounds.

Arrange the rounds on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little breathing room between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few moments before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Treat

Savor these tangy, buttery cookies with a steaming cup of tea or as a delightful anytime snack.

Tips For Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Use fresh, organic lemons to maximize the bright, citrusy flavor in your shortbread cookies.
• Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies' clean, crisp shape during baking.
• Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion to create uniform, thin cookie rounds that bake evenly.
• Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to prevent breaking, as shortbread is delicate when hot.
• Dust your work surface lightly with flour to prevent the dough from sticking and ensure smooth rolling and shaping.

Flavor Twists For Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Lavender Lemon Shortbread: Replace lemon zest with dried lavender buds for a floral, aromatic cookie that pairs beautifully with herbal tea.
• Gluten-Free Citrus Shortbread: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to create a tender, celiac-friendly version of the classic cookie.
• Orange Cardamom Shortbread: Swap lemon zest for orange zest and add ground cardamom for a warm, spiced Mediterranean-inspired cookie with complex flavor profile.
• Coconut Lime Shortbread: Use lime zest instead of lemon, and mix in shredded coconut for a tropical, refreshing cookie that transports you to sunny beaches.

Presentation Ideas For Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Herbal Tea: Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea to complement the bright lemon flavor, creating a soothing and refreshing taste experience that enhances the cookie's subtle sweetness.
• Citrus-Infused Beverage Match: Enjoy with a chilled lemon-ginger spritzer or a light limoncello to amplify the citrus notes and provide a zesty, crisp contrast to the buttery shortbread.
• Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside a dollop of lightly sweetened mascarpone cream or a small scoop of lemon sorbet to add a luxurious, velvety texture that balances the cookie's crumbly consistency.

Storing Lemon Shortbread Cookies Correctly

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap individual cookies or the entire log tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze uncooked dough for 3 months or baked cookies for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and prevent cookies from becoming too dry.

FAQs

• What makes lemon shortbread cookies different from regular shortbread?

The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that gives these cookies a refreshing twist compared to traditional shortbread, making them more vibrant and zesty.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of zest?

No, fresh lemon zest provides essential oils and intense flavor that bottled juice cannot replicate. The zest is crucial for creating the signature lemon taste in these cookies.

• How do I get a perfect log shape when preparing the dough?

Use plastic wrap and gently roll the dough into an even cylinder, applying consistent pressure. Refrigerating helps the log maintain its shape and makes slicing easier.

Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon shortbread cookies blend zesty citrus with buttery sweetness, creating a perfect Mediterranean-inspired treat. Crisp edges and delicate crumb promise a refreshing bite that transports you to sunny coastal kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, airy texture that appears light and voluminous.
3. Incorporate vibrant lemon zest and aromatic vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Separately, sift flour and salt together, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend that will ensure smooth cookie texture.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, gently blending until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a uniform cylindrical log, ensuring consistent diameter.
7. Tightly wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to solidify and flavors to meld.
8. Extract the chilled dough and slice into delicate 1/4-inch thick rounds, positioning them precisely 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for edges to transform into a soft golden hue, indicating perfect doneness.
10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet briefly, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ crisp, clean shape during baking.
• Use fresh, high-quality lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic intensity.
• Try gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring a similar tender texture.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, allowing the lemon and butter flavors to mellow and develop a richer taste profile.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg