Lemon and Rosemary Shortbread Cookies: A Delightful Tea-Time Treat
The perfect blend of fragrant rosemary and fresh lemon, combined with the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread, this recipe for Lemon and Rosemary Shortbread Cookies will elevate any afternoon tea. With their delicate flavor and crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are a beautiful balance of savory and sweet, making them the ideal snack to pair with a refreshing iced tea. Simple to make and bursting with fresh, aromatic flavors, these shortbread cookies will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Snack
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these wonderfully fragrant cookies:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Rind (zest) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Flour Mixture
To begin, combine the all-purpose flour (maida), fresh rosemary, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Stir them together to ensure even distribution. Set the mixture aside for later use.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Lemon and Vanilla
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Continue mixing until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Combine Flour Mixture and Dough
Slowly add the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. The dough should be soft, but not sticky.
5. Form and Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it tightly with cling film. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
6. Preheat the Oven
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
7. Roll Out the Dough
Place the chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can also press the dough with your hands.
8. Cut and Arrange Cookies
Use a cookie cutter of your choice (round, square, or any fun shape) to cut out the cookies. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
10. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tip: Serve these Lemon and Rosemary Shortbread Cookies alongside a refreshing glass of Blueberry and Lemon Iced Tea for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
Tips for Success
- Butter Quality: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. If your butter is too hard, it will not blend well with the sugar.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough. It allows the cookies to hold their shape while baking and gives them a better texture.
- Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor, you can add a little extra rosemary, but be cautious as this herb can be quite potent.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake it fresh whenever you like.
Conclusion
These Lemon and Rosemary Shortbread Cookies are a refreshing twist on the traditional shortbread, with the perfect blend of citrusy zing from the lemon and an aromatic herbal note from the rosemary. Whether you enjoy them with your afternoon tea or as a quick snack, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate, crumbly texture and delightful flavor. Make a batch today, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade treats that taste as good as they look!
