Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Wedges of buttery lemon shortbread cookies on a white plate

Easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, Tender & Quick to Make


  • Author: Dana
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 812 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a bright lemony twist. Made in a tart pan for effortless elegance, they’re perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional Glaze:
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). Grease and line a 9-inch fluted tart pan with parchment.
  2. Rub lemon zest into sugar until fragrant.
  3. Add butter and cream until light and fluffy.
  4. Sift in flour and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
  5. Press dough evenly into prepared tart pan and smooth surface with a flat-bottomed cup.
  6. Score into 8 or 12 wedges. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges are golden.
  7. While warm, cut through scored lines. Let cool completely before removing from pan.
  8. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice for glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies.

Notes

Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or milk if dough feels too dry. Customize with herbs, white chocolate, or nuts for fun flavor twists.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: lemon cookies, shortbread, lemon shortbread, easy cookies, tart pan cookies