Lemon Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tangy zestiness of fresh lemon with the sweet richness of buttery shortbread. These cookies are a wonderful addition to any dessert table, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a citrusy indulgence. With a total preparation time of just 55 minutes, including 45 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a batch of these delicious cookies ready to share in no time.
To start your culinary adventure with Lemon Shortbread Cookies, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that it reaches the perfect temperature to create those crisp yet tender cookies that melt in your mouth. This recipe makes approximately 3 dozen cookies, providing plenty to enjoy and share with loved ones.
In a large bowl, begin by creaming together 1 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of light brown sugar using an electric mixer. The creamy mixture will form the base of your cookies, infusing them with a rich buttery flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients evenly, ensuring a consistent texture throughout your dough.
Once the butter and sugar are perfectly blended, it’s time to add the vibrant citrus notes that make these cookies truly irresistible. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and the zest of one lemon to the bowl, infusing the dough with bright, zesty flavor that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite. Mix these ingredients thoroughly on low speed, ensuring that the lemon flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
With the lemon-infused dough prepared, it’s time to bring your cookies to life. Shape the dough into level tablespoons and roll them into logs on an ungreased cookie sheet. This step allows you to create perfectly shaped cookies that will bake evenly, ensuring a consistent texture and appearance across the entire batch.
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies spread slightly and develop a delicate golden brown hue. Keep a close eye on them as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook, as the perfect shortbread cookie should be tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Once baked to perfection, allow the cookies to cool slightly before indulging in their irresistible aroma and flavor. For an extra special touch, consider dipping the cooled cookies in a soft lemon frosting or melted chocolate on one end, adding an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence. Chill the cookies briefly to set the chocolate or frosting, then serve and enjoy!
With a delectable combination of buttery richness and zesty lemon flavor, these Lemon Shortbread Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon or shared with friends and family during holiday festivities, these cookies are a true delight for the senses. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more!
