Festive Citrus Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Festive Citrus Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery richness and bright citrus zest, perfect for any holiday celebration. Their crisp texture and fragrant aroma make them a charming treat to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Make sure the butter is softened but not melted.)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (Reduce if using salted butter.)
• 1 large orange, zest
• 1 large lemon, zest
• Granulated sugar, to taste, for sprinkling (Sprinkle on top before baking.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the orange and lemon zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough in half and roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Step 7: Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes and place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle each cookie lightly with granulated sugar before baking.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange extract to the dough along with the vanilla.
• Try rolling the dough in finely chopped nuts before baking for added texture.
• If you don’t have cookie cutters, slicing the rolled dough into squares works just as well.
• Use salted butter and skip or reduce the added salt for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or bag for up to three months. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butter instead of softened butter?

It’s best to use softened butter for proper creaming with the sugar, which gives the cookies their texture. Using frozen or melted butter can affect the cookie’s consistency.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling and cutting.

Festive Citrus Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Festive Citrus Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat featuring the bright flavors of fresh orange and lemon zest. The buttery, tender shortbread is lightly sweetened and finished with a sprinkle of granulated sugar, creating a perfect melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Make sure the butter is softened but not melted.)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (Reduce if using salted butter.)
• 1 large orange, zest
• 1 large lemon, zest

Topping

• Granulated sugar, for sprinkling (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to the creamy butter and sugar mixture until well incorporated, adding a fragrant base to your shortbread dough.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, folding gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
5. Incorporate Citrus Zest: Gently fold the fresh orange and lemon zest evenly into the dough to infuse the cookies with bright, citrusy flavor.
6. Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring consistent thickness for even baking.
7. Cut Cookies: Use cookie cutters to create your desired festive shapes, then place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced to prevent sticking.
8. Sprinkle Sugar: Lightly sprinkle each cookie with granulated sugar for a sparkling finish and a subtle extra crunch.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just turning a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
• Use fresh citrus zest for the brightest flavor.
• If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the shortbread tender and crumbly.
• The granulated sugar sprinkle adds a delightful crunch and sparkle but can be omitted if preferred.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: citrus shortbread cookies, festive cookies, lemon orange cookies, holiday cookies, shortbread recipe, buttery cookies