Description
Delight in these tender, buttery Lemon Shortbread Cookies, perfectly balanced with a hint of fresh lemon zest and juice. These classic cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle citrus twist, ideal for afternoon tea or a light dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
Flavorings
- 1 tsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for added citrus flavor)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt until thoroughly combined for a smooth base.
- Cream Butter and Flavoring: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the lemon zest and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which helps incorporate air into the dough for a tender texture.
- Combine the Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Optionally, add the fresh lemon juice now to intensify the citrus flavor and blend until evenly incorporated without overmixing.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls or alternatively, roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to form rounds or desired shapes. If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten each with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they retain their shape and crispness upon cooling.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, don’t skip the fresh lemon juice.
- If you prefer crisper cookies, bake an extra 2-3 minutes but watch carefully so they don’t burn.
- Chilling the dough helps in handling and also prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies can be sprinkled with additional powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
