Lemon Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

What kind of recipe is it?

The Lemon Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat, featuring a zesty lemon flavor that brightens up the traditional buttery richness of shortbread.

These cookies are characterized by their melt-in-your-mouth texture and a revitalizing citrus aroma, making them an ideal addition to any festive gathering.

Perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike, this simple recipe offers a fun way to celebrate the season while impressing family and friends with a unique festive flavor.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted Butter	1 cup (2 sticks), softened
Granulated Sugar	½ cup
Powdered Sugar	¼ cup
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Lemon Zest	2 tablespoons
Fresh Lemon Juice	2 tablespoons
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Optional: Colored Sugar	For decoration (as needed)

This table outlines all the ingredients required to make Lemon Christmas Shortbread Cookies, ensuring you have everything you need before starting the baking process!

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Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Adjust the oven rack to the middle position for even baking without fan/convection adjustments.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 240 ml (1 cup) softened unsalted butter, 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar, and 30 g (¼ cup) powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add 30 g (2 tablespoons) lemon zest, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice, and 5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour and 3 g (½ teaspoon) salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms, about 1-2 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.

5. Gently shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.

6. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm (½ inch). Cut out cookies using your desired cookie cutter shapes.

7. Place the cut-out cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with colored sugar for decoration.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Stay near to monitor closely for a fragrant aroma as the cookies near doneness.

9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes.

Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15-20 minutes.

10. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months for later enjoyment. Enjoy your Lemon Christmas Shortbread Cookies!

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Variations

Lavender Lemon Shortbread: Add 5 g (1 teaspoon) dried culinary lavender to the dough for a floral twist that complements the lemon flavor.
Gluten-Free Lemon Shortbread: Substitute 240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking to maintain texture.
Dairy-Free Lemon Cookies: Replace the 240 ml (1 cup) unsalted butter with 240 ml (1 cup) coconut oil or a dairy-free spread to create a tasty dairy-free version.
Vegan Lemon Shortbread: Use 60 ml (¼ cup) unsweetened applesauce in place of butter and consider flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs while keeping the other ingredients the same.

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Tips on plating and presentation

After exploring some delightful variations for your Lemon Christmas Shortbread Cookies, let’s talk about how to present them beautifully.

I recommend using a festive platter with a pop of color, like red or green. Arrange the cookies in layers, and sprinkle powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Finally, add a few lemon slices or fresh herbs for that final touch of elegance.

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

While you savor your Lemon Christmas Shortbread Cookies, consider pairing them with a warm cup of chamomile tea or a zesty lemon-infused cocktail.

These cookies also complement a light salad with feta and citrus dressing, or a charcuterie board featuring creamy cheeses and fresh fruits.

Their bright flavor can elevate any festive spread, making your holiday gatherings even more delightful.

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What drinks can I pair it with?

What drinks can truly enhance the experience of enjoying Lemon Christmas Shortbread Cookies?

I love pairing them with an invigorating cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or lemon verbena. A sparkling lemonade also complements the zesty flavor beautifully.

For something festive, I recommend a glass of Prosecco; the bubbles elevate the cookies’ sweetness, making every bite even more delightful.

Cheers to enjoyable pairings!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?

I’ve had great success using gluten-free flour in my recipes. Just make sure to choose a good blend, and adjust ingredients if needed. You’ll still enjoy delicious cookies without gluten. Happy baking!

How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If I want them to last longer, I’ll refrigerate them. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I Freeze the Unbaked Dough?

Absolutely, I freeze unbaked dough all the time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three months. I love having ready-to-bake treats on hand!

What’s the Best Way to Zest Lemons?

I usually use a microplane to zest lemons; it’s quick and effective. Just gently drag the lemon over the grater, avoiding the bitter white pith. You’ll get vibrant zest without any fuss—perfect for flavoring!

How Long Will the Cookies Stay Fresh?

The cookies usually stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. I often freeze them for longer storage; they still taste great after thawing, making them perfect for later enjoyment!