Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking lemon shortbread cookies! The moment you pull that buttery, crispy goodness from the oven, your kitchen fills with the most delightful, tangy aroma. Trust me, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion—whether it’s a sunny afternoon with friends, a cozy family gathering, or just a sweet pick-me-up for yourself. I love how simple they are to make, yet they taste so sophisticated! Plus, that burst of lemon flavor is like sunshine in every bite. So grab your apron, and let’s get ready to whip up some lemon shortbread cookies that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Lemon Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Ready to whip up some delicious lemon shortbread cookies? Follow these easy steps to ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor and buttery goodness!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheating your oven is key! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the dough. This helps your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. Trust me, the anticipation of that warm oven is half the fun!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. You’ll want to mix them until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies wonderfully tender!
Incorporating Lemon Flavor
Now for the fun part—adding that zesty lemon flavor! Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well until everything is fully combined. You want those bright, citrusy notes to be evenly distributed throughout the dough. It’s going to smell heavenly!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. This helps to ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed before adding to the wet mixture. Gradually add this dry blend to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender!
Forming the Cookies
Now it’s time to bring your dough to life! Scoop out about 1-inch balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers to create a nice, even shape. This will help them bake uniformly, so they’re all ready to enjoy at the same time!
Baking Instructions
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as we want them to stay buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Cooling and Storing
Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty. But honestly, I doubt they’ll last long with how good they are!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each lemon shortbread cookie has approximately 100 calories, with about 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. They also contain around 4 grams of sugar and 10 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on how big you make your cookies. But hey, who’s counting when they taste this good? Enjoy them in moderation and savor every delightful bite!
FAQ About Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Sure! Just keep in mind to reduce the added salt in the recipe a bit. Salted butter will still give you delicious cookies, but unsalted butter lets you control the overall saltiness better.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your lemon shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too good!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
What can I add for more flavor?
If you want to jazz up your lemon shortbread cookies, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or even some poppy seeds for a delightful twist. They’ll add extra depth to the flavor!
Why are my cookies crumbly?
Crumbly cookies can happen if there’s too much flour or not enough butter. Make sure to measure accurately and remember, a light touch when mixing is key to keeping them tender!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for when you’re short on time!
- Buttery and crisp texture that melts in your mouth.
- Bright, zesty lemon flavor that adds a refreshing twist to your dessert table.
- Versatile enough to dress up with a dusting of powdered sugar or enjoyed plain.
- Great for any occasion, from casual afternoons to fancy gatherings.
- They’re easy to store, so you can have a sweet treat ready whenever you need it!
Tips for Success
To achieve those perfect lemon shortbread cookies, here are my top tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps create that light, fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. Also, be careful not to overmix your dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients—mix just until everything is incorporated. This keeps your cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! If you want an extra burst of lemony goodness, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest. And finally, watch the baking time closely; ovens can vary, so take them out when the edges are just golden to avoid any overbaking. With these tips in mind, you’re all set for cookie success!
Variations of Lemon Shortbread Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your lemon shortbread cookies! One of my favorite variations is to add a teaspoon of poppy seeds to the dough for a lovely crunch and a beautiful presentation. You can also experiment with different citrus zest—try orange or lime for a refreshing twist on the classic lemon flavor! For a herbal note, mix in a bit of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme; it adds a unique depth that’s surprisingly delightful. If you want a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of ground ginger or cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch. And don’t forget about toppings—drizzle a bit of a lemon glaze on top after they cool, or dip half of each cookie in white chocolate for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them all!
For more information on the health benefits of lemon, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the science of baking, visit this King Arthur Baking resource.
Print
Lemon Shortbread Cookies: 5 Steps to Sweet Success
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon shortbread cookies are buttery, crisp, and bursting with lemon flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together.
- Add lemon zest and juice, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be dusted with more powdered sugar after baking.
- For a stronger flavor, add more lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon shortbread cookies, cookies, lemon cookies, dessert
