Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

tender and buttery

Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 3h 21m
Cook Time: 9m
Total Time: 3h 40m
Temp.: 350 °F
Servings: 24
Difficulty: Easy
5.0 (18 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For cookies:

For the lemon glaze:

Nutritional Information

113
Calories
5g
Fat
13g
Carbohydrates
1g
Protein
14mg
Cholesterol
46mg
Sodium
Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Recipe Description

This simple recipe for Lemon Shortbread Cookies will make a batch of 24 melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are simply the best. They are tender, buttery, rich and crumbly. Every bite is layered with a bright lemon flavor and just the right sweetness. Cut into seasonal shapes, these delicious shortbread cookies would make a great addition to your holiday cookie box or a cup of Earl Grey.

To make these cookies, you need a few pantry staples and a lemon. Start off by creaming the butter with powdered sugar and lemon zest. Sift in the flour and salt and mix until combined. Once the dough starts to stick together, move it to a lightly floured surface and knead into a smooth ball. Flatten the dough ball into a disc, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours. Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut out the cookies. Space the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets and chill while the oven preheats. Bake for about 9 to 12 minutes. Leave the cookies to cool completely before glazing. Enjoy!

To make the Lemon Shortbread Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Cream together butter, sugar, and lemon zest

    4 min
    Step 1 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to cream together ½ cup and 3 tablespoons softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and zest of a lemon.

  2. 2

    Sift in flour

    2 min
    Step 2 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Sift in 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined.

  3. 3

    Knead

    1 min
    Step 3 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Once the dough comes together, move to a lightly floured surface and knead into a smooth ball.

  4. 4

    Chill

    2h
    Step 4 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Flatten the dough ball into a disc, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

  5. 5

    Roll out

    2 min
    Step 5 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.

  6. 6

    Cut out

    5 min
    Step 6 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Cut out the cookies using cookie cutters.

  7. 7

    Chill

    15 min
    Step 7 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Space the cookies about 1 inch apart on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Gather and reroll scraps to cut out more cookies. Refrigerate for about 15 – 20 minutes.

  8. 8

    Preheat oven

    Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 °F.

  9. 9

    Bake

    9 min
    Step 9 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Bake the cookies for about 9 to 12 minutes.

  10. 10

    Cool

    35 min
    Step 10 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to the wire cooling rack to cool completely.

  11. 11

    Prepare lemon glaze

    1 min
    Step 11 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon whole milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thin, add more sugar. If too thick, add more lemon juice.

  12. 12

    Glaze

    30 min
    Step 12 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cookies with a spoon or use a piping bag. Leave to set for about 30 minutes.

  13. 13

    Serve

    Step 13 - Lemon Shortbread Cookies

    Serve and enjoy!

These easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Give this recipe a go, and come back to leave a comment below. Happy baking!

About the author

Jelena Mardere

Jelena is an interior designer and young mom! As a busy working mom, her time is precious so she’s always looking for a quick and efficient way to get things done. Jelena is very creative, but has a strong practical side. She loves trying new things and travels a lot, especially around Europe. The kitchen is Jelena’s safe space, where she can let her creative side out and dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - cooking!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 (18 reviews)
Heather Scott
May 8, 2025
Verified

These Lemon Shortbread Cookies turned out amazing! I made them for a friend’s tea party, and everyone loved the bright flavor.

Julia
December 17, 2024
Verified

Oh my gosh, these Lemon Shortbread Cookies are so good! Made 'em for my hubby's birthday, and they were a hit! Super easy!

Penny Worthington
November 7, 2024
Verified

These cookies remind me of my gran's kitchen.

Benitez
October 5, 2024
Verified

¡Deliciosas galletas perfectas!

Charlie
September 5, 2024
Verified

Delicious! These lemon shortbread cookies brought back memories of my grandmother baking with us during holidays. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright flavor brightened our family gathering. A true treat! Thank you for this easy recipe.

Iain
April 30, 2024
Verified

Superb cookies, they turned out perfect.

Belén
April 25, 2024
Verified

Hice estas galletas para la fiesta de cumpleaños de mi hija y todos quedaron encantados. Muy simples de hacer.

Tina
February 10, 2024
Verified

Totally ace cookies!

Zach
February 5, 2024
Verified

Delicious lemon shortbreads. Made'em for a cozy evening, and they brought back childhood memories of baking with my mom. Pure joy in each bite.

Laura López
December 12, 2023
Verified

Delicioso. Hice estas galletas de mantequilla de limón para una reunión y todos estaban tan emocionados que desaparecieron en minutos. La combinación de limón y mantequilla es perfecta. ¡Definitivamente se convertirá en mi receta favorita!

Zoe
October 1, 2023
Verified

Wow! These cookies remind me of my grandma's kitchen—pure joy with every bite!

Paula Johnson
September 14, 2023
Verified

I made these Lemon Shortbread Cookies for my kids' school event. They turned out great and everyone loved the bright flavor. Simple and fun to make together.

Debbie
August 10, 2023
Verified

Very easy recipe

Faye
June 26, 2023
Verified

Delicious! Made these for our tea party, huge hit.

JoyfulBaker89
March 26, 2023
Verified

Totally yum cookies!

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