Description
This Christmas Lemon Shortbread recipe offers a delightful twist on classic shortbread cookies with a refreshing hint of lemon zest. Perfectly buttery and tender, these cookies provide a festive treat that’s easy to make and loved by all during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring the oven reaches the desired temperature before baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth, light, and fluffy to create a perfect base.
- Add Lemon Zest and Vanilla: Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with bright citrus flavor and sweet aroma.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt, then gently stir them into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into small balls evenly and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten Cookies: Slightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a fork to create the traditional shortbread shape and texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Lemon zest adds a fresh, festive flavor, but can be adjusted according to taste preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or lemon extract.
