Lemon Shortbread Cookies are quick, easy, and melt-in-your-mouth cookie! Shortbread are the best cookies; the bright lemon flavor is a great addition to a Christmas cookie tray, Easter dessert table, or anytime!
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream (mix until light and fluffy) together the butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice until light and fluffy.
Add in the sifted flour, lemon zest and salt and mix until just combined. Try not to overmix. Using your hands, bring the mixture together to form a dough. Divide into two discs and wrap in plastic wrap for best results and the limit spreading refrigerate for around 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325° F (165° C).
Remove from the fridge, and sprinkle a little powdered sugar or flour onto a clean surface. Roll out the dough to be slightly thicker than ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters dipped in powdered sugar (you can use whichever one you like), cut out your shortbread shapes. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.You will get about 21-32 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
Remove from the oven, and allow to cool on the pan for 2 minutes. Move to a cooling rack and cool completely. Prepare the icing while the cookies cool down.
Lemon Icing
Combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest (if using) in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed. The glaze should be similar to the consistency of honey, a bit thick.
Drizzle or spread some lemon icing over the cooled cookies, and add fresh lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Storage Tips
Lemon shortbread cookies will last beautifully when stored in an airtight container on the counter for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 7 days and freeze up to three months.
Variations & Substitutions
Extra Lemon: You can enhance the lemon flavor by using both lemon zest and lemon extract. Start with ½-1 teaspoons of lemon extract and adjust to taste.
Lime or Orange Shortbread: Instead of using lemon, you can make lime or orange shortbread cookies by swapping out the citrus zest and juice. Lime and orange will provide unique and delicious flavor profiles.
Lavender Lemon Shortbread: Add a subtle floral note to your cookies by incorporating culinary lavender. You can finely chop dried lavender flowers or use culinary lavender extract. Be cautious not to overdo it, as lavender can be strong..
Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread: Start with 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for a slightly nutty flavor.
Almond Lemon Shortbread: Add almond flour or almond extract to your shortbread dough for a nutty and fragrant twist. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ground almonds or 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
Coconut Lemon Shortbread: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor. About 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut works well.
Shortbread Sandwich Cookies: Create a lemon shortbread sandwich cookie by sandwiching lemon curd or a lemon-flavored buttercream between two cookies. Try this lemon shortbread sandwich cookie recipe!
Herbed Lemon Shortbread: Add a savory twist by incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. About 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs should suffice.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Shortbread | Replace butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Gluten-Free Lemon Shortbread | To make gluten-free lemon shortbread cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.I like using almond flour. Keto Lemon Shortbread Cookies | Replace the all-purpose flour with finely ground almond flour! That’s it! Whole Wheat Lemon Shortbread | For a slightly healthier version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give the cookies a nuttier flavor and a heartier texture.