Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies
Tender buttery shortbread cookies finished with a bright and tangy lemon glaze for a refreshing twist. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon lemon zest, mixing on low speed until just combined into a soft dough.
- Step 3: Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden.
- Step 5: While cookies cool, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spread the glaze over cooled cookies and allow it to set for 20 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
