What makes a perfect spring treat, a burst of citrus in every bite perhaps. These lemon shortbread cookies are incredibly easy to make and feature a homemade white icing that complements their bright flavor, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a touch of sweetness. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert.

lemon shortbread cookies with white icing on a plate next to sliced lemons

Introduction

Brighten up your day with the simplicity and elegance of lemon shortbread cookies, beautifully complemented by a layer of white icing and served alongside refreshing sliced lemons. This recipe is a perfect blend of ease, flavor, and creativity, utilizing everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to delight with their zesty lemon flavor and crumbly texture, all wrapped up in a visually appealing package that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, and white icing creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too sour, making it accessible to a wide range of palates.
• Ease of preparation: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal special equipment and straightforward steps that can be followed by bakers of all skill levels.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a set of cookies that look like they came from a professional bakery, with the white icing and sliced lemons adding a touch of sophistication that belies the simplicity of the recipe.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include butter, sugar, eggs, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and white icing. For those looking for practical substitutions, consider using margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option, or experimenting with different types of flour to find the one that works best for you. The lemon zest and juice can be adjusted to taste, and for an extra burst of citrus flavor, you could also add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the mix.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are cool, you can begin making the white icing. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth, then spread or pipe onto the cooled cookies. Serve alongside sliced lemons for a beautiful and delicious treat.

Handy Tips

• When making the dough, be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a cohesive ball.
• For an extra crispy cookie, try baking them for an additional 2-3 minutes. However, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• If you find that your icing is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking in a small amount of powdered sugar. Conversely, if it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little more milk.

Heat Control

When baking the cookies, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the temperature and timing to ensure they turn out perfectly. The ideal temperature is 300°F (150°C), and the cookies should be baked for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. To check for doneness, look for a firm edge and a lightly golden color. If you prefer a crisper cookie, you can bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overbake.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these cookies comes from the shortbread texture, which should be crumbly and tender. To achieve this, make sure not to overbake the cookies, and avoid overmixing the dough. If you prefer a chewier cookie, you can bake them for a minute or two less, but keep in mind that they may not retain their shape as well.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure that your cookies retain their shape and bake evenly, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies to hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
• For a professional-looking finish, consider using a piping bag to pipe the white icing onto the cooled cookies. This will give you a smooth, even layer of icing that’s perfect for decorating.
• To make cleanup easier, be sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper before baking. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make it easy to remove them once they’re cool.

Storage Tips

• Once the cookies are cool, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to freeze the cookies, consider freezing them without the icing and then thawing and icing them as needed. This will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the cookies.
• When reheating the cookies, try placing them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 90°C) for a few minutes to warm them through. This will help to restore their texture and flavor.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give these cookies as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or jar filled with sliced lemons and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You could also wrap them individually in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a more rustic look. Whatever packaging you choose, be sure to include a personalized note or card to make the gift extra special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of using white icing, try using a flavored glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add extra flavor and texture to the cookies.
• Ingredient swaps: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional flour. You could also swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative or use eggs from a local farm for added freshness.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cookies turn out too hard or too soft, it may be due to overmixing or underbaking. Try adjusting the baking time or temperature to see if this improves the texture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient or want to try a substitution, be sure to research the replacement thoroughly to ensure that it won’t affect the flavor or texture of the cookies.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking, and check for doneness by looking for a firm edge and a lightly golden color. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and bake for a shorter time, as you can always bake them for a few more minutes if needed.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cookies without the icing and then thaw and ice them as needed. This will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the cookies.
• Is it gluten-free? Not in its traditional form, but you can make it gluten-free by using almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional flour.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to make a larger batch of cookies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the cookies may take a few minutes longer to bake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these lemon shortbread cookies with white icing are a delicious and elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their bright citrus flavor and crumbly texture, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment. So why not give it a try and see what you think? With a little practice and patience, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. Happy baking!