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Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 26 reviews

Delight your taste buds with these zesty Lemon Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery, tender base infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a bright citrus flavor balanced with sweet richness.

Ingredients

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Lemon Shortbread

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 whole lemon)

Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a light and fluffy base.
  3. Add Flavorings and Flour: Add the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully combined and a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Shape Dough and Cut Cookies: Divide the dough into two equal balls. On a lightly floured or powdered sugar-dusted surface, roll each ball out into a 1/4-inch thick circle. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
  5. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
  6. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they firm up nicely.
  7. Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too thin or more lemon juice if too thick.
  8. Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies have fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the bright and buttery flavors!

Notes

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Cookies can be frozen before glazing for up to 1 month; glaze after thawing.
  • Powdered sugar can be used in place of flour on the rolling surface to prevent sticking and avoid toughening the dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon shortbread cookies, lemon cookies, citrus cookies, shortbread, lemon glaze, baked cookies, dessert recipes

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/lemon-shortbread-cookies-recipe/