🍋 Zesty, Buttery, and Utterly Irresistible: The Best Lemon Shortbread Cookies

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s something truly magical about a classic shortbread cookie, isn’t there? It’s that comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture that whispers of home and simpler times. But what if we took that beloved buttery richness and infused it with the bright, sunshine-y burst of fresh lemon? That, my friends, is where these Lemon Shortbread Cookies step onto the stage, ready to steal your heart. Each bite is a delightful dance between delicate sweetness and a zesty tang, a crumbly perfection that’s utterly impossible to resist. Perfect for an afternoon tea, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply a moment of pure bliss with your favorite warm drink, these cookies are a hug in edible form.

Recipe Card will be inserted here

Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes + 30 minutes chilling
🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies
💥 Vibe: Buttery, Zesty, Crumbly

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Lemon Shortbread Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Creating these little drops of sunshine requires just a handful of simple ingredients, proving that the most profound flavors often come from the simplest kitchens. Embrace the freshness, and let’s gather our tools for deliciousness!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Zest of 2 large, vibrant lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
• For the optional Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

How to Make Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Let’s turn these humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Follow these steps, and prepare to be enchanted by the aroma filling your kitchen!

1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and the bright lemon zest. Mix until just combined, filling your kitchen with that incredible citrus scent.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Gently gather the dough, form it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for perfect shortbread texture!
5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter of your choice (round, square, or even fun shapes!) to cut out your cookies. Reroll scraps as needed.
7. Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should still look pale.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional Glaze: Once completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let the glaze set before serving.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While these Lemon Shortbread Cookies are perfect as they are, a little creativity can elevate them even further! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some good quality white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled, glazed (or unglazed) cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Lavender Infusion: Add 1/2 teaspoon of food-grade dried lavender to the butter and sugar mixture for a sophisticated floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Coconut Kiss: Mix 1/4 cup of finely shredded unsweetened coconut into the dough for a tropical twist.
• Tea Time Dream: Serve these alongside your favorite Earl Grey or black tea for an utterly delightful afternoon treat.
• Gift of Sunshine: Package these beautiful cookies in a pretty tin or cello bag with a ribbon. They make a thoughtful, homemade gift that truly brightens someone’s day!

Reviews

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what our wonderful community of bakers has to say:

Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Absolutely divine! The lemon zest makes them so bright and cheerful. I followed the recipe exactly, and they came out perfectly crumbly and buttery. A new family favorite for sure!”

Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“So simple, yet so elegant. These cookies are pure bliss! Perfect with my morning coffee, and they truly melt in your mouth. My wife requests them weekly now!”

Jessica P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I added a little extra lemon zest because I love a strong citrus kick, and they were heavenly. The glaze really takes them over the top. My kids devoured them in minutes!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake the best Lemon Shortbread Cookies every time!

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. This actually helps the flavors meld and can improve the texture. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.

Q: Why did my shortbread spread too much?
A: There are a few common reasons. Your butter might have been too warm, or the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to use room temperature, but not melted, butter, and don’t skip that chilling step!

Q: How do I store leftover shortbread?
A: Store your cooled Lemon Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If glazed, ensure the glaze is completely set before stacking them.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: For the zest, always use fresh lemons for the best flavor and aroma. For the optional glaze, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh will always provide a brighter, more vibrant taste.

Conclusion

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from baking something so utterly delightful with your own hands, and these Lemon Shortbread Cookies deliver that feeling in spades. From the moment the bright scent of lemon fills your kitchen to that first tender, buttery bite, every step is a pure pleasure. These aren’t just cookies; they’re little tokens of warmth, perfect for sharing, savoring, and celebrating life’s simple, sweet moments. So, go on, let your oven beckon, and bring a little sunshine into your home today!

Recipe Note

For the brightest lemon flavor, always zest your lemons before juicing them. The oils in the zest hold the most potent citrus aroma!