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Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon shortbread cookies are a lemony twist on a classic shortbread cookie recipe complete with a simple lemon glaze. They're a great addition to any holiday dessert tray any time of year!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
21 mins
Servings: 15
Calories: 211 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the cookies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 lemon zested
For the lemon icing
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Yellow food coloring optional

Instructions

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  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and beat on medium speed with electric mixer with a paddle attachment for about 5 minutes until fluffy.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, add the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest.
  3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and beat on medium speed until all of the dry ingredients are incorporated, be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
  4. Place the the dough on a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper and shape it into a square. Wrap the paper around the dough and refrigerate for 2 or more hours.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  7. Using a round cookie cutter, cut the cookies and place them onto the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 11 - 14 minutes and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet completely.
  9. If icing, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and flip the cookies over so the bottoms are facing up.
  10. In a small bowl, add the lemon juice and powdered sugar and whisk together.
  11. Spoon the icing over each cookie and spread it to the edges with the spoon.
  12. Allow the icing to set completely

Notes

  • Add a splash of vanilla or vanilla bean paste to enhance the flavors.
  • If you prefer an even softer cookie, adding egg yolks to the batter can increase the softness in the dough.
  • Top with festive sprinkles before the icing sets. Yellow or pastel for Easter, green and red for Christmas, etc.
  • Omit the icing on top and dip them in melted chocolate for a chocolaty lemon flavor.
  • Add some chopped nuts to the batter for extra crunch.
  • For extra lemon flavor, drop some lemon extract into the dough mixture.
  • Sprinkle the glaze with a little coarse granulated sugar.
  • Add some white chocolate chips to the batter. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cookie Calories 211kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0.5g Cholesterol 33mg (11%) Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 27mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 380IU (8%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 8mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 15Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 211

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cookie
Calories 211kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0.5g 25%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 27mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 380IU 8%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.