Lemon Shortbread Cookies

These Lemon Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and packed with bright citrus flavor! With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing hint of lemon, these cookies are perfect for tea time, holiday platters, or an everyday sweet treat. Whether drizzled with a simple glaze or enjoyed plain, they offer the perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delightfully Buttery – Classic shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bright Lemon Flavor – Fresh lemon zest and juice add a refreshing twist.
• Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples in just a few steps.
• Easy to Customize – Add a glaze, dip in chocolate, or shape into fun designs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for gifting, holidays, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Optional Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Optional Add-Ins:

• White chocolate drizzle
• Poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy seed twist
• Chopped nuts for added crunch

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. Cream Butter & Sugar – In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Flavorings – Mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Gradually stir in flour and salt until a dough forms. Do not overmix.

Shape & Chill:

4. Form Dough – Roll the dough into a log (for slice-and-bake cookies) or flatten into a disk (for cut-out cookies).
5. Chill – Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Bake:

6. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape Cookies – Slice the dough into rounds or roll out and cut into shapes.
8. Bake – Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool – Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Optional Lemon Glaze:

10. Mix Glaze – Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
11. Drizzle or Dip – Drizzle over cookies or dip half of each cookie in glaze.

Serve & Enjoy:

12. Let Set – Allow glaze to harden before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20-24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Lemon Lavender Shortbread – Add ½ teaspoon dried culinary lavender for a floral twist.
• Lemon Almond Cookies – Stir in finely chopped almonds for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version – Replace butter with vegan butter.
• Extra Tangy – Add more lemon zest or a bit of lemon extract.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze dough logs for up to 3 months; slice and bake when ready.
• Reheating: Let cookies come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

How do I make the cookies extra crisp?

Bake for an extra 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

Can I roll these cookies into balls instead of slicing them?

Yes! Roll into balls and press down slightly before baking.

Why is my dough too crumbly?

Shortbread dough is naturally crumbly, but adding a teaspoon of lemon juice can help it come together.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Can I dip these in chocolate?

Absolutely! White or dark chocolate pairs beautifully with lemon shortbread.

How do I get perfect shortbread texture?

Avoid overmixing the dough, and use high-quality butter for the best flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

What pairs well with lemon shortbread cookies?

Tea, coffee, or a glass of milk make the perfect pairing.

Can I use this dough for cut-out cookies?

Yes! Roll it out and use cookie cutters for fun shapes.

Conclusion

These Lemon Shortbread Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery richness and bright citrus flavor. Whether plain, glazed, or dipped in chocolate, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy a classic, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a refreshing lemon twist!

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