Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are a timeless treat loved by many for their buttery goodness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add a zesty twist of lemon to the mix, and you’ve got a delightful combination that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these eight lemon shortbread cookie recipes are sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

1. Classic Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the lemon zest and juice, then gradually mix in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Lemon Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

• Same as classic recipe
• Lemon curd

Instructions:

1. Prepare the classic lemon shortbread cookie dough.
2. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
4. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of lemon curd.
5. Bake as directed in the classic recipe.

3. Glazed Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• Same as classic recipe
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare and bake the classic lemon shortbread cookies as directed.
2. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

4. Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• Same as classic recipe
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the classic lemon shortbread cookie dough.
2. Mix in the dried lavender buds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Bake as directed in the classic recipe.

5. Lemon Coconut Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• Same as classic recipe
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Prepare the classic lemon shortbread cookie dough.
2. Mix in the shredded coconut until well combined.
3. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake as directed in the classic recipe.

6. Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• Same as classic recipe
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the classic lemon shortbread cookie dough.
2. Mix in the poppy seeds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Bake as directed in the classic recipe.

7. Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• Same as classic recipe
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions:

1. Prepare the classic lemon shortbread cookie dough.
2. Mix in the chopped fresh rosemary until well combined.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Bake as directed in the classic recipe.

8. Lemon Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• Same as classic recipe
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Prepare and bake the classic lemon shortbread cookies as directed.
2. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
3. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
4. Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

These eight recipes offer a delightful array of lemon shortbread cookies to suit every taste preference. Whether you prefer a classic flavor or enjoy experimenting with unique combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of homemade lemon shortbread cookies.