Lemon Shortbread Cookies

When it comes to cookies that melt in your mouth, few can compete with the delicate texture and refreshing flavor of Lemon Shortbread Cookies. These delightful treats are the perfect blend of buttery goodness and zesty lemon, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering, preparing a sweet surprise for a loved one, or simply indulging in a snack with your afternoon tea, these cookies will add a touch of sunshine to your day. With their simple ingredients and straightforward method, you’ll find that making Lemon Shortbread Cookies is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding.

Why This Recipe Works

This Lemon Shortbread Cookies recipe is designed to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of salted butter and powdered sugar ensures a rich and creamy base, while the addition of lemon zest and lemon extract infuses the cookies with a bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the sweetness. The all-purpose flour provides the structure needed for a crumbly yet tender cookie, and a splash of milk brings it all together, creating a dough that’s easy to work with. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth finish, making these cookies irresistible.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup salted butter, softened – This is the base of your cookies, giving them a rich flavor and tender texture.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness while helping to create that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Provides a burst of fresh lemon flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
• 3 tablespoons milk – Helps to bind the dough together, making it easy to work with.
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract – Enhances the lemon flavor and adds depth to the cookies.

Gear Checklist

• Mixing bowl – A large bowl for combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless.
• Rubber spatula – Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Baking sheet – For placing the cookies while they bake.
• Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cookie cutter (optional) – If you want to shape your cookies, this is a fun addition.

Method: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup salted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Lemon Zest and Extract

Mix in 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon lemon extract, ensuring they are well incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will start to come together but may appear a bit crumbly.

Step 5: Add Milk

Add 3 tablespoons milk to the dough, mixing until fully combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Roll and Cut the Dough

Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Year-Round Variations

• Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
• Incorporate 1/4 cup of poppy seeds for a delightful twist.
• Dip the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Learn from These Mistakes

When making Lemon Shortbread Cookies, it’s essential to avoid a few common pitfalls:

• Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies; always ensure your butter is softened.
• Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix until ingredients are just combined.
• Not chilling the dough may cause the cookies to spread too much; always refrigerate as directed.
• Skipping the parchment paper can result in sticking; use it for easy removal and cleanup.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To keep your Lemon Shortbread Cookies fresh:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before enjoying.
• Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-baked taste.

Common Qs About Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the mixture to enhance the flavor.

How can I make these cookies more lemony?

To intensify the lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or a few extra drops of lemon extract.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend if you want a gluten-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

You can drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or simply dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.

Wrap-Up

Lemon Shortbread Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture that can brighten any day. With their buttery base and vibrant lemon notes, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. The simplicity of the recipe allows for creativity, whether through variations or decorations, ensuring that each batch can be uniquely yours. Remember, the joy of baking is in the process, so gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a batch of these delightful cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!