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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Incorporate Citrus Zest: Gently fold the fresh orange and lemon zest evenly into the dough to infuse the cookies with bright, citrusy flavor.
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.
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.
Sprinkle Sugar: Lightly sprinkle each cookie with granulated sugar for a sparkling finish and a subtle extra crunch.
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.
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