These Lemon Shortbread Cookies are irresistibly buttery with a bright citrus twist that makes them absolutely melt in your mouth. Each bite is tender, crumbly, and perfectly sweet with just the right amount of zesty lemon flavor. They’re simple to make with basic pantry and fridge staples, which means you’ll be tempted to bake a batch every single day.
If you’re looking for an easy cookie recipe that delivers big on flavor, these Lemon Shortbread Cookies are about to become your new favorite. Perfect for tea time, holiday trays, or just because, they bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion and are impossible to resist once you start snacking.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
11 minutes
Total Time
31 minutes
Ingredients
-
1 cup softened butter
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3/4 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon salt
For the drizzle:
-
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
-
3-4 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice from about 1 large lemon)
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lemon zest from 1 lemon
-
water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Cream the butter, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, salt) in a medium bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until well-combined but still crumbly, about 1 minute. Turn mixer to medium and mix for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the dough comes together*.
- Roll the dough out into a 9"x12" rectangle between 2 pieces of parchment paper. It should end up being about 1/2"-3/8" thick.
- Transfer the parchment and dough to a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- After refrigeration, lift the dough from the baking sheet and cut it into 1 1/2" squares.
- Place the cold dough on parchment lined baking sheets. You don't need much room between them (about 1") because they don't spread much.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until pale golden brown on the edges.
- Let cool for 1 minute on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the drizzle in a small bowl. Add water, if needed, to create a consistency that is loose enough to drizzle. Use a spoon to drizzle the icing over the cooled shortbread cookies. Let the drizzle harden before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- *When you start mixing, the dough will look crumbly. Continue to mix until the dough comes together...it will!
- Try not to overwork the dough once you roll it out or to reroll because it will get bumpy. However, if you must, the drizzle will cover some imperfections!
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