Description
Zesty lemon shortbread cookies deliver Mediterranean sunshine on a delicate buttery canvas. Crisp, melt-in-mouth crumbles with bright citrus notes will transport you to a charming Italian coastal kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Finishing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Extra lemon zest for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cookie placement.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together softened butter with powdered and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Incorporate bright citrus notes by gently folding in fresh lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and a splash of pure vanilla extract, which will enhance the cookie’s aromatic profile.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and salt to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure a uniform texture throughout the dough.
- Slowly integrate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring carefully until a cohesive, tender dough emerges that holds together without being overly sticky.
- Form the dough into uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, optionally rolling them in additional granulated sugar to create a delicate, crystalline exterior that will caramelize during baking.
- Arrange the cookie spheres on the prepared baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each to allow for gentle spreading, and bake until the edges develop a subtle golden hue, typically 12-14 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few moments to firm up, then transfer to a cooling rack for complete cooling.
- Optional: Dust the completely cooled cookies with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant, finished appearance that adds a touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding pre-packaged dried zest which can taste flat and less aromatic.
- Temperature Control: Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect shortbread texture, keeping it cool helps maintain the cookie’s signature crumbly structure.
- Sugar Coating Trick: Rolling cookies in granulated sugar creates a delightful crisp exterior and adds a subtle sparkle that makes these cookies look professionally finished.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg