I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite treats with you today – lemon shortbread cookies that strike the perfect balance between buttery richness and bright citrus flavor. With just six simple ingredients, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies might seem basic, but trust me, they’re anything but ordinary. The magic happens when that fresh lemon zest hits the butter and sugar, creating an aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell like a sunny afternoon. Ready to discover why these little bites of sunshine deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection?
Why You’ll Love these Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Brightness in cookie form. These lemon shortbread cookies deliver a perfect balance of buttery richness and citrus zing that’ll make your taste buds dance.
They’re incredibly versatile, working as an elegant addition to afternoon tea or a revitalizing summer dessert alongside fresh berries.
I’m particularly fond of how the lemon zest perfumes the dough, creating that unmistakable aroma that fills your kitchen.
The melt-in-your-mouth texture? Simply divine.
And unlike fussy, complicated recipes, these come together with just six ingredients you probably already have.
Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation.
What Ingredients are in Lemon Shortbread Cookies?
These simple, elegant cookies rely on just a handful of quality ingredients to create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture with a bright lemon flavor.
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
The quality of your lemons really matters here—organic ones tend to have more flavorful zest, and you’ll definitely want to use fresh lemon juice rather than the bottled stuff which can taste a bit flat in such a simple recipe.
How to Make these Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Create Lemon Sugar
Pulse 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest in a food processor until well combined.
This infuses the sugar with all those fragrant lemon oils, creating a beautifully aromatic base for our cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Lemon Sugar
Beat the lemon sugar mixture with 1 cup (226g) softened unsalted butter until light and creamy.
The butter absolutely must be at room temperature—cold butter will leave you with a lumpy mess, and we’re going for silky smooth perfection here.
Using a stand mixer kitchen appliance will make this creaming process much easier and produce more consistent results.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice until incorporated.
Fresh is non-negotiable for this recipe—the bottled stuff just doesn’t deliver the same bright, zingy flavor that makes these cookies special.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour and 1/8 teaspoon salt until a soft dough forms.
Don’t overmix at this stage, or your cookies might turn out tough rather than that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re after.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
This might seem like a long wait, but trust me, this step is essential for developing flavor and ensuring your cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 6: Roll and Cut Dough
Roll the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then cut into your desired shapes.
The thinner the cookie, the more delicate and crisp it will be—just like a proper shortbread should.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn golden.
Your kitchen will fill with the most heavenly lemon aroma, making the wait almost unbearable.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
These delicate cookies need time to firm up, so resist the temptation to bite into one while still warm—though I know how hard that can be.
What to Serve with Lemon Shortbread Cookies
These bright, buttery cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or after-dinner treats.
Try serving them with a cup of Earl Grey tea, where the bergamot notes complement the lemon beautifully. For something more indulgent, pair with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries tossed with a tiny bit of sugar.
They’re lovely alongside a frothy cappuccino, too.
For a truly special presentation, consider a dollop of lemon curd or raspberry coulis for dipping—the tangy-sweet combination is absolutely divine.
And don’t underestimate how wonderful these cookies taste with a simple glass of cold milk, especially for the kiddos (or kids at heart).
Lemon Shortbread Cookies Substitutions and Variations
- Fun mix-ins: Fold in 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ⅓ cup finely chopped dried cranberries, or ¼ cup mini white chocolate chips.
- Pretty finishes: Drizzle cooled cookies with simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice), or press a candied lemon slice into each cookie before baking.
Leftovers and Storage for these Lemon Shortbread Cookies
These buttery lemon cookies keep beautifully when stored properly. After cooling completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Want to freeze them? You can! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. The unbaked dough also freezes wonderfully—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To refresh slightly stale cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. These cookies actually develop a deeper lemon flavor after a day, making them perfect for make-ahead treats when you’re planning for company.
Final Thoughts
These lemon shortbread cookies showcase the beautiful balance between buttery richness and bright citrus notes. The fresh lemon zest works its magic in every bite, creating a cookie that’s both delicate and flavorful.
They’re perfect for afternoon tea, holiday cookie exchanges, or whenever you need a little sunshine in cookie form. I love how versatile they are—elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday treats.
The combination of that crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture with the gentle lemon flavor creates something truly timeless, a recipe worth passing down through generations.