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Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

These Lemon Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and infused with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright citrus flavor. Perfectly crisp on the edges while soft in the center, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for sharing or enjoying with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature by the time the dough is ready for baking.
  2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
  4. Add Lemon Zest: Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest thoroughly into the butter and sugar mixture to distribute the citrus flavor evenly throughout the dough.
  5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to form a smooth dough without overworking it.
  6. Form the Cookie Dough: Scoop spoonfuls of dough and roll them into small balls, then place each ball on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart.
  7. Flatten the Dough Balls: Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, gently press each dough ball to form a thick disc shape to ensure even baking.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating that the cookies are perfectly baked.
  9. Cooling Time: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and maintain their texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor.
  • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right cookie texture.
  • You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Adding cornstarch helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture typical of shortbread.
  • If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest.

Keywords: lemon shortbread cookies, lemon cookies, shortbread recipe, citrus cookies, buttery cookies

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