Lemon Butter Shortbread Cookies

🍋 Lemon Butter Shortbread Cookies (Buttery, Crisp & Melt-in-Your-Mouth)

📝 Ingredients (Makes about 20–24 cookies)

For the Shortbread

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra tenderness, optional but recommended)

Optional Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 2: Add Flavor

Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cornstarch.
Gradually mix into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

---

🍪 Shaping Options

Option 1: Slice & Bake (Easiest)

1. Roll dough into a log (about 2 inches thick).

2. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

3. Slice into ¼-inch rounds.

Option 2: Roll & Cut

1. Chill dough 30–45 minutes.

2. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness.

3. Cut with cookie cutters.

---

Step 4: Bake

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

• Place cookies on a lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

• Cool completely (they firm up as they cool).

---

🍋 Lemon Glaze (Optional but Delicious)

1. Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.

2. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

3. Let set for 20–30 minutes before storing.

---

✨ Tips for Perfect Shortbread

• Use room temperature butter (not melted).

• Chill the dough — prevents spreading.

• Don’t overbake; shortbread should stay pale with lightly golden edges.

• For extra lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon lemon extract.

---

🧊 Storage

• Room temperature (airtight): up to 5 days

• Refrigerator: 1 week

• Freezer: 2 months

---

If you’d like, I can also give you:

• 🍋 Eggless version

• 🍊 Orange shortbread variation

• 🌿 Lemon lavender version

• 💛 Extra soft bakery-style version

Just tell me 😊