Imagine a cookie that is pure, simple elegance. One that is incredibly buttery, impossibly tender, and melts in your mouth with a crumbly, delicate texture. Now, infuse that perfect shortbread with a bright, zesty burst of fresh lemon that tastes like pure sunshine. That is exactly what these Lemon Shortbread Cookies are. They are a wonderfully sophisticated yet surprisingly simple treat to whip up, making them perfect for a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea here in Safi, or for a special occasion. This recipe beautifully balances the rich comfort of classic shortbread with the fresh, clean taste of lemon, all in one of the most straightforward examples of Easy Food To Bake.
Serving Versatility
These Lemon Shortbread Cookies are wonderfully versatile. They are absolutely delightful on their own, showcasing their simple, buttery flavor. They can be dressed up with a simple lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation. These Recipes Biscuits are the perfect companion to a cup of hot tea or coffee, and they make a lovely, crunchy counterpoint to a creamy dessert like mousse or panna cotta. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries and cream for a light and refreshing treat.
Full Recipe: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Lemon Shortbread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
- Servings: 36 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 75 kcal per cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 32 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (from about 2 large lemons)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 41 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Beat in the fresh lemon zest and vanilla extract until they are well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour and the salt.
- Make the Dough: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough just begins to come together. Do not overmix.
- Shape and Chill: Transfer the soft dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to help you shape the dough into a log that is about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This chilling step is essential!
- Preheat and Prep: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to slice it into 41 inch thick rounds. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a very light golden brown. The tops should remain pale.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: This recipe produces a classic shortbread that is perfectly tender, crisp, and buttery.
- Bright & Zesty Flavor: Using fresh lemon zest gives these cookies a vibrant, authentic citrus flavor that is incredibly refreshing.
- Elegantly Simple: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a truly sophisticated and delicious cookie. A perfect example of
Simple Cookie Ideas. - Perfect for Gifting: Their sturdy nature and beautiful look make them ideal
Giftable Baked Goods. They are one of the bestDiy Gifts For Foodies. - A Blank Canvas: These cookies are wonderful plain, but also offer endless
Shortbread Decorating Ideas, from glazes to edible flowers.
A Brief History of Shortbread
Shortbread is a classic biscuit that hails from Scotland, with the first printed recipe dating back to 1736. Originally, it was a medieval “biscuit bread” made from leftover bread dough that was sweetened and dried out in an oven. Over time, the yeast was replaced with butter, a luxury item at the time, and shortbread as we know it began to take shape. Its name comes from its high fat content, which gives it a “short” or crumbly texture. This richness means it doesn’t require any leavening agents like baking soda or powder, relying solely on the simple magic of butter, sugar, and flour.
Serving Suggestions
- The Perfect Tea Companion: These are the ultimate
Biscuits For Tea Party. Serve them alongside a pot of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea for a classic pairing. - Elegant Dessert Plate: Arrange a few cookies next to a scoop of lemon sorbet or a dish of vanilla bean panna cotta for a beautiful and delicious dessert.
- Thoughtful Homemade Gift: Stack the cookies in a clear bag and tie with a ribbon, or place them in a beautiful tin. They are perfect
Treats For Gifts. - A Touch of Glaze: Whisk together 21 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra pop of flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: As soon as the flour is incorporated and the dough comes together, stop mixing. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which will make your shortbread tough instead of tender.
- Chilling is Crucial: Do not skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven and ensures that classic, crumbly shortbread texture.
- Use Real Butter: The flavor of shortbread comes almost entirely from butter, so use a good quality, real butter for the best results. Do not substitute with margarine.
- Zest, Don’t Juice: Use a microplane or the fine side of a grater to get just the yellow zest from the lemon. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can be bitter.
Storage & Reheating
Store your cooled Lemon Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for at least a week, and their flavor often deepens and improves after a day or two. These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not need to be reheated.
Bake a Little Sunshine!
I hope you enjoy baking these simple, elegant Lemon Shortbread Cookies. They are a true joy to make and share, and they are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly special and delicious. They are one of my favorite Cute Baking Gifts to give!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below. I would love to hear how they turned out for you!
🎀 Final Thoughts
There is a timeless elegance to shortbread that I just adore. It’s a quiet, confident cookie that doesn’t need a lot of fuss to be absolutely perfect. I hope each bite brings a little bit of sunshine into your day.