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