Zesty Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Citrus Delight

Buttery, crumbly shortbread takes a zesty turn with this tangy lemon shortbread cookies recipe that bursts with bright citrus flavor.

Sweet and tender, these cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic treat.

The lemon infusion adds a refreshing spark to every delicate bite.

Rich butter and fragrant zest mingle perfectly in this simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Delicate and crisp, these cookies promise a sophisticated touch to your afternoon tea or casual gathering.

Bakers of all levels can craft these mouthwatering morsels that deliver sunshine in every delectable crumb.

Prepare to savor a cookie that balances sweet, buttery richness with vibrant lemon brightness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 24-44 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients For Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Rich, smooth foundation that creates tender cookie texture with optimal fat content for balanced flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides delicate sweetness and contributes to the cookie's soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds structure and provides gentle crispness to the cookie's exterior.

• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth that complements the bright lemon notes.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor without added liquid.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy undertone and subtle acidic balance to the sweet base.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie's fundamental structure and provides tender, delicate crumb.
• Salt: Heightens overall flavor complexity and balances the sweetness of the cookie.

Tools You’ll Need For Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to a light, fluffy consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for whisking dry ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect cookie texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for golden cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and maintain crispness.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Zester or grater: Helps extract fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor.

Steps To Make Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth cookie magic.

• Whip Butter Into Fluffy Clouds

Grab your mixer and transform butter and sugars into a dreamy, light mixture that looks like soft clouds.

• Zesty Flavor Boost

Sprinkle in lemon zest, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and add a splash of vanilla to create a burst of bright, sunny flavor.

• Create Cookie Dough

Slowly blend flour and salt into the creamy mixture, gently turning it into a soft, tender dough that’s ready to become delicious cookies.

• Shape Your Sweet Treats

Roll the dough into cute little balls or shape into a log. Roll in sugar for a sparkly, crisp exterior that’ll make mouths water.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into the oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Cool And Enjoy

Let the cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Flavor Tips For Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Lemon Zest Magic: Add extra lemon zest for a more intense citrus punch that brightens the entire cookie flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Master: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2 months, allowing flexible baking options.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Decorative Delights: Drizzle melted white chocolate or create a simple lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice for an elegant finishing touch.
• Storage Secrets: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Serve Lemon Shortbread Cookies Crisp

• Zesty Tea Time Delight: Pair these tangy lemon shortbread cookies with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat.
• Sweet Citrus Crumble: Crush cookies over vanilla ice cream or yogurt to create a refreshing, crunchy dessert topping with bright lemon flavor.
• Elegant Gift Idea: Package the cookies in a cute clear box with a ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or as a thoughtful hostess present.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a stunning brunch dessert that will impress guests.

Store Lemon Shortbread Cookies Right

• Fridge Storage Strategy: Wrap cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. These delicate treats stay fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated, maintaining their delightful lemony crunch.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Layer cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They'll happily rest in the freezer for 2-3 months without losing their delectable texture or zesty flavor.
• Room Temperature Technique: Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Cookie lovers can enjoy these treats at ambient temperature for 3-4 days, keeping their buttery softness intact.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough logs in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply slice and pop into the oven for fresh, aromatic cookies that taste like they were just mixed.

Tangy Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 24-44 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Lemon shortbread cookies meld buttery richness with zesty citrus notes, creating a delightful teatime treat. Crumbly, tender cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• Extra lemon zest for sprinkling
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring optimal cookie placement and even heat distribution.
2. Creaming: Utilize an electric mixer to blend softened butter with powdered and granulated sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with a smooth, pale appearance.
3. Flavor Infusion: Elevate the cookie’s essence by delicately incorporating fresh lemon zest, vibrant lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract, creating a harmonious and aromatic flavor profile.
4. Dry Ingredient Refinement: Meticulously sift flour and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential clumps and guarantee a consistent, refined dough texture.
5. Dough Formation: Gradually combine dry ingredients with the butter mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive, tender dough materializes—soft yet structured, without excessive stickiness.
6. Shaping and Coating: Craft uniform dough spheres approximately one inch in diameter, optionally rolling them in granulated sugar to develop a glistening, caramelizable exterior.
7. Baking and Cooling: Distribute cookie spheres across the prepared baking sheet, allowing ample spacing for subtle expansion. Bake until edges acquire a delicate golden tone (12-14 minutes), then rest momentarily on the sheet before transferring to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
8. Finishing Touch: Optionally dust the fully cooled cookies with a gossamer layer of powdered sugar, imparting an elegant, refined presentation that enhances their visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Zest with Care: Carefully grate only the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a pure, bright citrus flavor.
• Room Temperature Matters: Remove butter and eggs from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure smooth blending and optimal dough consistency.
• Precise Mixing Technique: Mix dry ingredients gently to prevent gluten development, which could make cookies tough instead of tender and crumbly.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Roll cookie dough in sugar before baking to create a delightful crispy exterior that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg