Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Why You’ll Love It

Made with pantry staples: You don’t need many recipes to make shortbread cookies. In fact, you probably already have most (or all!) of the ingredients on hand.
A really easy cookie recipe: There’s nothing complicated about making these lemon cookies.
Fresh, tangy flavors: Lemon is a winning flavor in the cookies, especially with a little vanilla extract to add a contrasting flavor to the mix.

Lemon Shortbread Cookie Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

All-purpose flour: For the cookie dough. You can use gluten-free instead.
Salted butter: If you only have unsalted, add an extra pinch of salt.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is best but you can use bottled.
Fresh lemon zest: For that wonderful flavor.
Vanilla extract: To add another dimension to the flavor.
Powdered sugar: For the cookie dough and also the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Shortbread Cookies

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the cookie dough: Combine the salt and flour in one bowl and cream the butter and powdered sugar in another. Mix the lemon zest and vanilla extract into the butter mixture and then add the flour.
Chill the cookie dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and shape it into a disk, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
Cut out the cookies: Roll the dough out and use cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Put the cookies on a parchment paper lined plate and chill for 20 minutes.
Bake shortbread cookies: Arrange them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake in the oven. Let them cool completely on a cooling rack.
Glaze them: Combine powdered sugar with lemon juice to make the lemon sugar glaze and then glaze your cookies once cool.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
Add some crunch: Add poppyseeds for crunch if you like.
Different extracts: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract or another flavor, or try vanilla paste instead.
Granulated sugar: You can use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar in the cookie dough but you’ll end up with a different texture. Powdered sugar yields soft, tender shortbread while granulated sugar would give you a crisper texture.

Serving Suggestions

With brunch: It’s always good to serve something sweet alongside savory brunch dishes such as breakfast tacos or bacon and eggs.
As a snack: Enjoy an oat milk shaken espresso or gingerbread latte with the cookies.
For dessert: Pair them with anything from a tiramisu cheesecake to a glass of homemade limoncello.

How to Store Lemon Shortbread

Store: Keep the shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked dough or the finished cookies. Make sure they’re well-wrapped.
Thaw: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.