Why make this recipe
Soft Lemon Shortbread is perfect for those cozy afternoons when you want a sweet treat. The buttery flavor combined with the zing of lemon makes these cookies delightful. They are tender, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re a lemon lover, you might also enjoy exploring some other lemon-based recipes, such as this almond lemon ricotta cake.
How to make Soft Lemon Shortbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a log shape and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Slice the chilled dough into rounds and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
How to serve Soft Lemon Shortbread
These Soft Lemon Shortbread cookies can be served plain, or you can drizzle a simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar on top for added sweetness and zest. They make a lovely addition to any dessert platter or can be packed as a sweet treat for lunchboxes.
How to store Soft Lemon Shortbread
To keep your Soft Lemon Shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their lovely texture and flavor for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them and thaw them as needed.
Tips for Soft Lemon Shortbread
For those looking to amp up the lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or a touch of lemon extract to the dough. This small adjustment can really punch up the fresh taste. Also, be mindful not to overbake the cookies; they should be just lightly golden for the best texture. Don’t forget that you can also find a similar flavor profile in other recipes like this almond lemon ricotta cake.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?
Yes, you can replace lemon with lime or orange for a different flavor profile in your shortbread.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is chilled before slicing. If the butter is too warm, it may spread more while baking.
How do I make these cookies more sweet?
You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar or drizzle a sweet glaze on top after they’ve cooled.
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a lemony treat, you might want to check out this Lemon Shortbread recipe for another delightful option. Enjoy your baking!
Print
Soft Lemon Shortbread
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful buttery lemon shortbread cookies, perfect for cozy afternoons with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a log shape and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Slice the chilled dough into rounds and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
For extra lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or a touch of lemon extract. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American