10 Best Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Lemon Zest Shortbread Delights
These Lemon Zest Shortbread Delights bring a fresh twist to the classic shortbread with a burst of citrus flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon zest, followed by the flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Lemon Lavender Shortbread
Infuse your kitchen with the enchanting aroma of lavender combined with the zesty punch of lemon in these uniquely flavored cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in lemon zest and dried lavender, then gradually add flour and salt until dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice into 1/4 inch rounds, place on the baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes or until just firm.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread
Experience a delightful crunch with every bite of these Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread cookies, perfect for a midday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat together the butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Mix in lemon zest and poppy seeds, then gradually add flour and salt to form a dough.
- Roll the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Lemon White Chocolate Shortbread
Indulge in the perfect combination of tart lemon and sweet white chocolate in these irresistible cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy and light.
- Stir in lemon zest, followed by flour and salt until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and gently mix.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Lemon Thyme Shortbread
For a sophisticated twist, these Lemon Thyme Shortbread cookies balance citrusy notes with a hint of herbal flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add lemon zest and thyme, mixing until incorporated.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until dough comes together.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until edges are just golden.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Lemon Honey Shortbread
Sweetened with the natural goodness of honey, these cookies offer a delicate lemony sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and honey together until light and fluffy.
- Stir in lemon zest, then add flour and salt gradually until dough forms.
- Shape dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice into 1/4 inch rounds, place on baking sheet, and bake for 12 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Lemon Almond Shortbread
Nutty and zesty, these Lemon Almond Shortbread cookies bring a new depth of flavor with finely chopped almonds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in lemon zest, then gradually add flour and salt until dough is formed.
- Fold in chopped almonds, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Roll out dough, cut into desired shapes, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Lemon Coconut Shortbread
Add a tropical twist with shredded coconut in these delightful Lemon Coconut Shortbread cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in lemon zest, followed by the flour, coconut, and salt until a dough forms.
- Shape dough into small balls, flatten, and place onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Lemon Cardamom Shortbread
With a hint of exotic spice, these Lemon Cardamom Shortbread cookies are perfect for those looking for something a little different.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add lemon zest and cardamom, mixing until well blended.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.