Lemon shortbread: Christmas recipe

Shortbread cookies are a classic Christmas treat, and this lemon shortbread adds a refreshing twist to the beloved dessert. This recipe yields a buttery and crumbly shortbread cookie that has a zingy lemon flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough comes together, but don’t overmix!
5. Divide the dough in half. Shape each portion into a disc and wrap it with plastic wrap. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and enough powdered sugar to make a glaze consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Verdict:

This lemon shortbread recipe is a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie collection. The tangy lemon flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery shortbread, making for a delicious and festive treat. The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and an extra burst of lemon flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

These cookies are perfect for gifting, especially when packaged in a festive tin or box. They pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.