Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried lemon shortbread cookies yet, you’re in for a real treat! These little gems are the perfect sweet balance of buttery goodness and zesty lemon flavor that just brightens your day. The texture? So wonderfully crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth, it’s like a hug from your grandma, but in cookie form! I remember the first time I made these; the aroma of fresh lemon filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my family. They disappeared faster than I could say “cookie!” This recipe is special to me because it’s become a staple in my home, perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Lemon Shortbread Cookies
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the star of the show, giving your cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – For that perfectly sweet touch and a wonderfully smooth texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is what helps bind everything together for a delightful crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those lovely flavors!
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – This adds a burst of citrusy goodness that makes these cookies shine.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – A splash of tanginess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Prepare Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty when your cookies are ready to bake. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. I usually use an electric mixer for this part because it makes everything so much easier. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is where all that buttery goodness starts to shine! It should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be smooth and airy, almost like a cloud!
Adding Lemon Flavor
Once your butter and sugar are looking dreamy, it’s time to add the lemon zest and lemon juice. This is where the magic happens! Stir it all together until well combined. The scent of fresh lemon is absolutely invigorating, and you’ll want to make sure it’s mixed in thoroughly to get that zesty flavor in every bite!
Combining Dry Ingredients
Next up, let’s bring in the dry ingredients! Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt to your buttery lemon mixture. I like to do this in batches to ensure everything mixes evenly. Just mix until it’s fully incorporated—don’t overdo it! You want a nice, soft dough that holds together beautifully.
Shaping the Dough
Now comes the fun part! Shape your dough into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; a bit of rustic charm is always welcome! Once shaped, wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice into those perfect rounds.
Baking the Cookies
After your dough has chilled, it’s time to slice! Cut the log into about 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space to spread as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. The smell wafting through your kitchen? Pure bliss!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is important—trust me, you want them to cool completely before serving. If you like, dust them with a bit more powdered sugar just before serving for that extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy every crumb of these delightful lemon shortbread cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These lemon shortbread cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a last-minute treat!
- Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon adds a bright and refreshing twist that’s sure to lift your spirits with every bite.
- Buttery Texture: They have that classic shortbread melt-in-your-mouth quality that is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack, a fancy tea party, or a holiday gathering, these cookies fit right in.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding other flavors or even dipping them in chocolate for an extra indulgence!
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a delightful choice for family baking days.
Tips for Success with Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Oh, I’ve got some golden nuggets of wisdom for you to ensure your lemon shortbread cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little tips can make all the difference, and I wish I had known them when I first started baking!
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream more easily with the powdered sugar, resulting in that lovely light and fluffy texture!
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender shortbread you want. Keep it gentle!
- Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for firming up the dough, which makes slicing so much easier and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can be sneaky! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, especially towards the end. You want them to be lightly golden, but not too brown. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Store Properly: Once your cookies are cool, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting too soft or losing their delightful crunch.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to play around! Try adding a bit of almond extract or dipping them in chocolate for a twist. The lemon base is super versatile!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious lemon shortbread cookies ever. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your lemon shortbread cookies properly is key to keeping them delicious for days to come! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This way, they stay fresh and maintain that lovely crumbly texture.
If you store them at room temperature, they should last about a week. But honestly, I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too good! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, and they’ll be as delightful as the day you baked them!
Now, if you want to warm them up a bit before serving, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might lose that perfect texture! You can also warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked goodness and make your kitchen smell heavenly all over again! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful lemon shortbread cookies! Each cookie packs a punch of flavor while still being relatively light. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on precise ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, with a cookie this tasty, a little indulgence is totally worth it, right? Enjoy your lemony delights without a worry!
FAQ About Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you only have salted butter on hand, go ahead and use it. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch so your cookies don’t become too salty. You’ll still get that delightful buttery flavor!
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Great question! You want to keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers should still look a bit pale. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I add more lemon juice or zest for a stronger flavor?
Definitely! If you’re a lemon lover like me, feel free to amp up the lemon juice or zest. Just keep in mind that adding too much liquid can affect the dough’s consistency, so maybe start with an extra teaspoon of zest and see how you like it!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
After they’ve cooled completely, store your lemon shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too irresistible!
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
You sure can! If you want to prep ahead, wrap the shaped log of dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, slice, and bake as usual. Fresh cookies in no time!
Lemon Shortbread Cookies: 7 Irresistible Tips to Enjoy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously tangy lemon shortbread cookies with a buttery texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, and mix until combined.
- Shape the dough into a log and slice into rounds.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be dusted with more powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon shortbread cookies, cookies, dessert, baking
