Zesty Citrus Shortbread Cookies Recipe: Sweet & Buttery Joy

Crafting delectable citrus shortbread cookies brings a zesty twist to classic baking traditions.

Sweet memories dance through kitchen spaces with these crumbly delights.

Buttery textures melt softly on your tongue, releasing bright, tangy notes.

Fragrant lemon and orange zest infuse each bite with sunshine-like brilliance.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly to create something magical and unexpected.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delightful sensory experience.

You’ll fall in love with this quick and easy recipe that celebrates simple pleasures.

Why Citrus Shortbread Cookies Feel So Zesty

• Burst with Citrusy Delight: Zesty lemon and orange flavors dance through each bite, transforming ordinary shortbread into a bright, refreshing treat that tingles your taste buds.
• Master Baking with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from kitchen novices to seasoned pastry enthusiasts.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies shine at afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet companion to your favorite coffee, guaranteeing smiles from family and friends.
• Customize Your Creation: Experiment with different citrus zests or add a light glaze to make these shortbread cookies uniquely yours, sparking creativity in the kitchen.

What Goes in Citrus Shortbread Goodness

• Butter: A rich, creamy foundation that provides the classic shortbread texture and deep flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a smooth, light cookie base.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their signature crisp texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Lemon Zest, Orange Zest: Bright, aromatic citrus elements that infuse the shortbread with fresh, vibrant flavor notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the citrus flavor profile with its warm, sweet undertones.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides a sparkling, crystalline exterior that caramelizes during baking and adds a subtle crunch.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking during the baking process.

How to Make Bright and Buttery Shortbread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F, creating the perfect environment for your cookie adventure.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Base

• Lemon zest
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture becomes wonderfully aromatic and smooth.

Step 3: Form Magical Dough

Gently incorporate flour and salt into the creamy mixture. Stir until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring no dry spots remain. The texture should feel soft and pliable.

Step 4: Knead and Distribute Citrus Flavors

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead gently, spreading the zesty flavors evenly throughout the shortbread base.

Step 5: Shape and Chill Dough

Roll the dough into a compact log about 2 inches wide. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the consistency and intensify the flavors.

Step 6: Slice Cookie Medallions

Remove chilled dough and slice into uniform rounds, each about 1/4 inch thick. These will become your elegant citrus cookies.

Step 7: Add Sparkling Sugar Coating

Gently roll cookie edges in granulated sugar, creating a crystalline exterior that will caramelize beautifully during baking.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place cookies on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for minimal spreading.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown, signaling the ideal shortbread texture.

Step 10: Cool and Savor

Transfer cookies to a wire rack. Let them cool completely, allowing the citrus essence to develop and the texture to become perfectly crisp and buttery.

Tips for Crisp Citrus-Infused Cookies

• Zest Like a Pro: Gently microplane citrus fruits for ultra-fine, fragrant zest without bitter white pith.
• Chill for Crisp Perfection: Refrigerate dough log for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain precise cookie shape.
• Sugar Sparkle Technique: Roll cookie edges in granulated sugar right before baking for a delightful, crystalline crunch.
• Gluten-Free Swap Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Storage Secret: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, preserving their delicate citrus flavor and buttery texture.

Unique Twists on Citrus Shortbread Flavor

• Lavender Lemon Shortbread: Infuse the dough with dried lavender buds and extra lemon zest for a floral, aromatic cookie that transports you to a Provençal garden.
• Chocolate-Dipped Citrus Cookies: After cooling, partially dip each shortbread in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with orange zest for an elegant, rich variation.
• Almond Citrus Crunch: Mix in finely chopped toasted almonds and use a combination of lemon and orange zests, creating a nutty, textured shortbread with bright citrus notes.
• Glazed Citrus Shortbread: Drizzle cooled cookies with a light citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, adding a sweet, tangy finish to the classic recipe.

Pairing Ideas for Citrus Cookie Lovers

• Brew Herbal Tea Companion: Select chamomile or lavender tea to softly balance the cookie's bright citrus notes, creating a delicate and refreshing flavor harmony.
• Pour Sparkling White Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc with light, fruity undertones that will elegantly enhance the cookies' citrusy essence and buttery texture.
• Serve Fresh Berry Sorbet Accent: Plate a small scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet alongside the shortbread, providing a cool, tangy counterpoint that amplifies the cookie's zesty profile.

Best Ways to Store Citrus Shortbread Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• Wrap the cookie log or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze uncooked dough for 3 months or baked cookies for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Place cooled cookies in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Consume within 5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Use a vacuum sealer to remove air and preserve the cookies' delicate texture. This method extends shelf life and prevents moisture from compromising the shortbread's crisp quality.

Answers to Citrus Shortbread Cookie FAQs

• What citrus fruits work best for this shortbread recipe?

Lemon and orange zests are ideal, providing bright, fresh flavors that complement the buttery shortbread base. They add a subtle, aromatic citrus note without overwhelming the cookie’s delicate texture.

• How fine should I zest the citrus fruits?

Use a microplane or fine grater to create fine, delicate zest. Only grate the colored part of the citrus peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Finely grated zest distributes flavor more evenly throughout the dough.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough log and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to slice into uniform cookies.

Citrus Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 42-45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sunshine-kissed citrus shortbread cookies deliver a delightful Mediterranean zest with buttery, crumbly perfection. Delicate lemon and orange notes dance across each tender bite, promising a refreshing escape that whisks you to coastal warmth.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter

Citrus Components:

• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling/topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a clean workspace for your citrus-infused shortbread.
2. Cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating the vibrant citrus zests and vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic profile.
3. Gradually fold in the flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring no dry patches remain in the mixture.
4. Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, working the lemon and orange zests thoroughly throughout the shortbread base.
5. Roll the dough into a compact log, approximately 2 inches in diameter, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the consistency.
6. Remove the chilled dough and slice into uniform rounds, each about 1/4 inch thick, creating elegant cookie medallions.
7. Delicately roll the cookie edges in granulated sugar, providing a sparkling, crystalline exterior that will caramelize during baking.
8. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for minimal spreading.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, signaling the perfect shortbread texture.
10. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, letting the citrus essence fully develop and the texture set to a crisp, buttery finish.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures a crisp, clean-edged cookie with a professional bakery look.
• Zest citrus fruits right before mixing to capture the most vibrant, intense flavors and aromatic oils that elevate the shortbread.
• For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the delicate texture and citrusy essence.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful crumbly texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg