Lemon Shortbread Cookies

dairy-free cut out cookie recipe

 

Post updated 6-30-2024

JUMP TO RECIPE

(Discloser: Inspiration Apron is reader supported. I may earn an affiliate commission by any purchase made by clicking links in this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Inspiration Apron running!)

Easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies

These melt-in-your-mouth treats are the perfect combination of zesty lemon flavor and buttery richness, and the simple glaze made with real lemon juice and zest adds the perfect finishing touch. You don’t need a mixer, it’s fairly quick to make these, uses minimal ingredients. I used my good ‘ol Country Crock Plant Butter and it never lets me down, baking perfectly soft all the way through. These are also the best simple cut-out cookie that doesn’t take a lot of effort, so customize them for any holiday or occasion.


Let’s begin!

Lemon shortbread cookie ingredients:

Ingredients to make lemon shortbread cookies.

Ingredients for cookies:

  • 3/4 cup plant butter, softened ( I used Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil)

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1/2 tbsp lemon zest (a little more is fine)

Lemon glaze ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

How to make lemon shortbread cookies

Instructions: First, prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 325℉ / 163℃.

Next, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar in a medium mixing bowl until well mixed and smooth.

(NOTE: I only made a half batch, that’s why mine looks scarce)

Adding flour to make a dough for lemon shortbread cookies.

Add the flour, lemon juice and zest and mix until a soft dough is formed.

Shape dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and put in freezer for about 5 minutes. Tip: I also like to place my rolling pin in the freezer during this time also.

Take your dough ball and roll out on a lightly floured surface to between 1/4” and 1/2 “ thickness.

After the dough is rolled to the desired thickness, use a cutter to cut out your shortbread cookies. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or just until the edges start to slightly turn brown.

How to make lemon glaze for cookies

After removing from oven, immediately transfer to a cooling rack and let completely cool before adding the glaze.

To make glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Use a fork or whisk to mix until smooth and no lumps. Spoon glaze over each cookie. Tip: For an easy cleanup, I put a sheet of waxed paper under my cooling rack.

You can let cookie glaze set at room temperature, or speed the process up by putting the cookies in the fridge.

Summer dessert idea

The cookies are great as they are…

…but just in case you need another fantastic dessert idea for summer, check out my lemon fluff icebox dessert bars that I added fresh fruit and a star shaped lemon shortbread cookie as garnish. To find the easy recipe for these delicious bars, click HERE.

Another fun idea is to add cookies to a grazing plate or charcuterie board with some fresh fruit, cheese and nuts for a simple and easy 4th party food idea or Olympic viewing party plate.

Enjoy!

💜Julie

lemon shortbread cookies recipe, easy cut out cookie recipe, dairy free cookie recipes, melt in your mouth lemon shortbread cookies, easy lemon glaze for cookies, 4th of july cookie, star shaped cookies, patriotic cookies, olympic food ideas
dessert
American
Yield: 24
Author: Julie Butler
Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

These lemon shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, sweet, but with that tangy lemon flavor, made with fresh lemon juice and zest for that bright summertime taste. Easy cut-out cookie recipe.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 10 MinInactive time: 10 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Ingredients

Shortbread cookie ingredients
Easy lemon glaze recipe

Instructions

How to make lemon shortbread cookies
  1. First, prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Preheat oven to 325℉ / 163℃.
  3. Next, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar in a medium mixing bowl until well mixed and smooth.
  4. Add the flour, lemon juice and zest and mix until a soft dough is formed.
  5. Shape dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and put in freezer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Take your dough ball out of freezer and roll out on a lightly floured surface.
  7. Roll out to between 1/4” and 1/2 “ thickness.
  8. After the dough is rolled to the desired thickness, use a cutter to cut out your shortbread cookies.
  9. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or just until the edges start to slightly turn brown.
  10. After removing from oven, immediately transfer to a cooling rack.
  11. While the cookies are cooling, you can make the glaze.
How to make easy glaze for shortbread cookies
  1. In a small or medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
  2. Use a fork or whisk to mix until smooth and no lumps.
  3. Use a spoon to pour your glaze over each cookie.
  4. You can let cookie glaze set at room temperature, or speed the process up by putting the cookies in the fridge.

Notes

Note: I used dairy-free products because I am lactose intolerant, but feel free to substitute with real dairy ingredients in equal amounts, if desired.

Note: These shortbread cookies can be cut out in any shape to accommodate for holidays or occasions like Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentines, 4th of July, etc.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

62

Fat (grams)

0 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

0 g

Carbs (grams)

16 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

15 g

Sugar (grams)

8 g

Protein (grams)

1 g

Sodium (milligrams)

0 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

0 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional Information is provided as a courtesy only and should be viewed as an estimate. Ingredients can vary with brands and size and Inspiration Apron makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. (Per 1-2 cookies, depending on cookie size.)

Did you make this recipe?
Tag @inspirationapron on instagram and hashtag it #inspirationapron
Julie Butler

Hi, I’m Julie Butler with Inspiration Apron, a blog full of delicious recipes, mouth-watering photographs, fun crafts and travel inspiration. I’m a southern girl, North Carolina is my home state and I’ve got some southern classics and vintage family recipes along with new and exciting creations. Enjoy!

http://www.inspirationapron.com
Previous
Previous

Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream

Next
Next

Lemon Fluff Icebox Dessert Bars