Break time – make a spot of tea and set out a plate of these Lemon Shortbread Cookies. These dainty shortbread cookies would be perfect to treat yourself or most definitely company worthy!
Do you ever have one of those days when you might just want to take an afternoon break for yourself, grab a book, and just relax for a bit? I feel like that at times and maybe I also want to indulge in a sweet treat but something on the lighter side. And loving lemons as I do, this cookie is the perfect pick me up afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (soft)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- colored sprinkling sugar if desired
- Combine the flour, cornstarch and salt in a medium sized bowl
- In a larger mixing bowl beat the butter and powdered sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Next mix in the vanilla and zest.
- Take the dry ingredients and gradually add them to the butter mixture until it is well blended.
- Flatten into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap – – keep refrigerated for one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350
- On a lightly floured large cutting board roll the dough 1/4″ thick. Use a cookie cutter (your choice), cut and place on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. (about 1″ apart)
- Bake until the bottoms are light brown which takes about 10-12 minutes and be sure to not overbake. Cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes then place on wire rack to cool completely.
- To make frosting whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together, frost cookie and sprinkle with sugar if desired
I really love how light this cookie is and how it just melts in your mouth. If you aren’t a fan of lemons, feel free to leave out the lemon zest and keep it plain vanilla – another good substitute would be to use almond extract. For the frosting, you could use a bit of extract and milk. However you want to make it your own, you will be pleased with the results!
The ‘naked’ cookies
Hang in there! Tomorrow is hump day!
Another ways to make shortbread cookies
Marcie FlavortheMoments says
I don't know why I never think to make rolled sugar cookies or iced shortbread cookies on any given day — I only make them for occasions. I'd love some of these "just because" — to relax just like you said. They look so good, Deb! Pinning. 🙂
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
Your cookies are soooooo perfect looking. I know you use a cutter, but even taking that into account—How do you do that. Obviously tea cookies are right down my street. But even eliminating that—my FAVORITE cookies are short bread ones. And I am soooo on the lemon train. I pinned this one.
Amy Lee Scott says
Deb, these definitely look like the perfect afternoon treat! I love the lemon and pretty yellow sprinkels 🙂
dina says
they look delicious!
Kelly says
These cookies are so pretty! I love lemon treats and these cookies sound like the perfect afternoon snack and anything with sprinkles always makes me happy – pinning:)
Katerina says
I love citrus flavor in cookies and these are definitely my type!
Mondo says
I'm totally on a lemon kick, right now. now I need to make these too!
cooking with curls says
You had me at "lemon". 😉 They look delicious Deb, and I could really go for some right about now! My Lemon Love board is filling up!!
Cathy Trochelman says
These cookies look perfect…..just like your description of a quiet afternoon with a book! IN MY DREAMS!!! Haha 😉
Jamie Sherman says
So cute and perfect for Spring! Now, if it would just hurry up and get here! 🙂