These Easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on classic shortbread, bringing together buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a bright, citrusy kick. They’re incredibly simple to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and bake up beautifully in a tart pan for an effortlessly elegant look.

I make these cookies every time I need something quick yet impressive for afternoon tea, gifts, or just as a treat for my family. They disappear fast, so I always bake a second batch! The combination of rich butter, fragrant lemon zest, and a touch of sweetness makes these cookies irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Made with just 5 ingredients – No fancy ingredients, just pantry staples.
• Easy, no-fuss preparation – No rolling or cutting shapes—just press the dough into a tart pan.
• Buttery and tender – The perfect crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
• Infused with bright citrus flavor – The lemon zest adds the perfect amount of zing.
• Great for any occasion – From afternoon tea to holiday gifting, these cookies are a hit.
• Customizable – You can add herbs, white chocolate, or a drizzle of glaze to switch things up.
• Perfect for beginners – Even if you’ve never baked shortbread before, this recipe is foolproof.

The Secret to Perfect Shortbread Texture

Shortbread is all about the balance between butter, flour, and sugar. Unlike traditional cookies that require eggs, shortbread relies on butter for its structure. This results in that classic, delicate texture that breaks apart with a soft snap. Here’s what makes this recipe foolproof:

• Butter at the right temperature – It should be soft enough to mix but not melted.
• Minimal mixing – Overworking the dough will make the cookies tough.
• Even baking temperature – A moderate oven prevents the edges from over-browning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies use basic baking ingredients, but the quality of each makes a difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter – Soft but not melted, for a creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Caster sugar dissolves faster, but granulated works just as well.
• All-purpose flour – Measured accurately to avoid dry shortbread.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Lemon zest – The star ingredient, bringing a fresh and fragrant citrus kick.

Optional Additions

• Lemon glaze – A simple mix of powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness.
• Herbs like thyme or rosemary – For an elegant, aromatic touch.
• White chocolate drizzle – Pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.
• Toasted almonds or pistachios – Adds crunch and a nutty depth.
• A hint of vanilla extract – Enhances the buttery flavor.

How to Make Easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan

• Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C).
• Grease a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a removable base and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. Infuse the Sugar with Lemon Zest

• In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest.
• Use your fingertips to rub them together until fragrant. This releases the natural oils from the zest and intensifies the flavor.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• Add softened butter to the lemon sugar.
• Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

• Sift in the flour and salt.
• Mix until a crumbly dough forms. The dough should hold together when pressed.

5. Press into the Pan

• Transfer the dough to the prepared tart pan.
• Press evenly using your fingertips.
• Use a flat-bottomed cup to smooth the surface.

6. Score and Bake

• Use a knife to lightly score the dough into 8 or 12 wedges. This makes cutting easier after baking.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
• Remove from the oven and immediately cut through the score marks while the shortbread is still warm.
• Let cool completely in the pan before removing.

Lemon Glaze (Optional)

If you love an extra touch of sweetness, add a simple glaze.

How to Make It:

• Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice.
• Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun variations:

• Lemon & Thyme Shortbread – Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves for a lovely herbal note.
• White Chocolate Lemon Shortbread – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled wedges.
• Orange Shortbread – Swap lemon zest for orange zest and use orange juice in the glaze.
• Lavender Lemon Shortbread – Add ½ teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough.
• Almond Lemon Shortbread – Fold in ¼ cup of finely ground almonds for extra texture and flavor.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread – Stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a classic pairing.
• Coconut Lemon Shortbread – Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Tips for the Best Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Use room temperature butter – It should be soft but not melted for the perfect texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough – Overmixing leads to tough shortbread.
• Score the dough before baking – This helps you get clean, neat slices.
• Let the shortbread cool completely in the pan – Removing it too soon can cause crumbling.
• Use fresh lemon zest – Avoid bottled lemon juice, as fresh zest provides more vibrant flavor.
• For extra crunch – Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking.
• If your dough is too dry – Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of milk to bring it together.

How to Store and Freeze

• At room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
• In the fridge – Keeps well for up to 1 week.
• To freeze – Wrap baked, unglazed cookies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before glazing or serving.

More Delicious Lemon Recipes

If you love citrus desserts, try these next:

• Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines – Soft, delicate, and perfect for tea time.
• Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes – Moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed.
• French Lemon Crêpes – Light, buttery, and zesty.
• Homemade Lemon Curd – Perfect for spreading on scones or filling pastries.
• Lemon Ricotta Cookies – Soft, cake-like cookies bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
• Lemon Bar Tart – A delicious twist on the classic lemon bar with a buttery crust.
• Lemon Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, tangy, and perfect for citrus lovers.

More Recipes to Try

Here are more delightful treats to explore:

• Chocolate Banana Oat Muffins – Moist and healthy muffins combining ripe bananas, oats, and rich chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Honey Banana Oat Cake – A naturally sweetened cake blending ripe bananas, fiber-rich oats, and the natural goodness of honey for a wholesome dessert.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle – A decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas, layered with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread – A tropical twist on classic banana bread, incorporating juicy pineapple and shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A moist and spiced bread studded with rich chocolate chips, offering a delightful flavor perfect for fall mornings or dessert.

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration: Best Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe

Try This Recipe and Share Your Thoughts

I hope you love these Easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies as much as I do! If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out.

Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and save this to Pinterest for later!

Tag me on social media if you make these cookies—I’d love to see your creations!

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