5.0 from 60 votes
Ridiculously Easy Lemon Thyme Shortbread
This lemon thyme shortbread is not only ridiculously easy to make, it's also crisp, buttery melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 245 kcal
Course:
Dessert , Snacks , Baked Goods
Cuisine:
American , Irish , Scottish
Ingredients
- 1 cup very soft butter I use salted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- zest from one medium size lemon
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sanding sugar Demerara, Turbinado or regular granulated sugar
- fresh thyme leaves for garnish, if desired.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325. Lightly grease (I use baking spray) and then line an 8 or 9-inch cake pan (round or square) with parchment paper. (See Café Tips above in post regarding size of the pan.) Line a sheet pan with foil. Set both pans aside.
- Combine soft butter, sugar, lemon zest and juice and vanilla in a medium-large bowl. Stir for about 30 seconds until nice and creamy.
- Add the flour, thyme leaves and salt. Stir just until all of the flour is incorporated. The dough will be crumbly. Press the dough firmly into the prepared pan to create an even surface. Be sure there are no loose crumbs around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with the sugar.
- Place the cake pan on top of the foil lined sheet pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is a nice golden brown. (The smaller your pan is, the thicker your shortbread will be and the longer it will take to bake.)
- Invert the shortbread onto a flat plate. Place another plate on top and invert again so the sugared side is up.
- Slide the shortbread onto a cutting board and sprinkle with a bit more sugar, if desired. With a long, sharp knife, cut it into wedges (or rectangles or squares if using a square pan). Transfer pieces to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
- If you prefer your shortbread crisper, place the cooling rack with the cut pieces on a sheet pan and return return to the oven for 5 minutes then cool completely on the rack.
- Garnish when serving with a few more fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
- Serves 10-12, depending on the size of pieces.
Nutrition Information
Calories
245kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
24g
(8%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Cholesterol
41mg
(14%)
Sodium
233mg
(10%)
Potassium
30mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
500IU
(10%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
10mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 245
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 245kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 233mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 30mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 500IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.