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Why I Love These Cookies
I’m pretty much in the kitchen from the beginning of November through December. I love baking for the holidays! Since I’m recovering from the high of the holidays, January is always a little of a letdown for me. But I do enjoy baking with lighter flavors, and these lemon shortbread cookies are just that!
Citrus is usually at its peak in the winter months, and in Iowa, it is a welcome change. This quick lemon shortbread is a wonderful way to ease away from Christmas baking and enjoy a fresh, almost summer flavor.



Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (approximately 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 16 tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter room temperature
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a food processor until blended, about 20 seconds.1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp kosher salt, ⅓ cup cornstarch
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice.2 tbsp lemon zest (approximately 2 lemons), 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Cut butter into tablespoon-size pieces. Add to processor and pulse until dough resembles a coarse meal. The dough will form a ball if pressed together but seem crumbly in the bowl.16 tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- Press dough into an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. A 10-inch cake pan can also be used if desired. Ensuring the dough is pressed evenly will create a firm shortbread.
- With a sharp knife, score the shortbread into eight wedges, making sure to not cut all the way through.
- Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake in a preheated 300°F oven for 40-50 minutes (50-60 minutes if using a cake pan). When done baking, the shortbread will be firm to the touch around the edges.
- Remove from oven and cut shortbread while still warm, using the scored lines as a guide.
- Once cool, remove the shortbread from pan and enjoy!
Video

Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment below!







Made these amazing lemon shortbreads. Used Meyer lemons and topped with a lemon glaze. OMG so delicious! Thank you. YOU ROCK KALEB!
I used brown sugar for more flavor and they came out delicious, except for a bit too crumbly. Next time I’ll add a little water and knead first.
I used brown sugar as well they tasted wonderful and delicious 😋
I made this recipe today and was disappointed.
In the video you say to use the juice of one lemon.
In the recipe it says 1 tsp of lemon juice. That 1 tsp makes a big difference in the flavor of the shortbread. I really was hopeful that this recipe was going to be better. :>(
I usef the juice of half of a lemon that made 1 tablespoon
To be fair, the recipe calls for 1 tbsp which is 3 tsp. It’s still a long way from the juice of 1 lemon which I make at at least 3 tbsp (or 9 tsp). So definitely some clarification would be appreciated. Mine is just about to go in the oven with 1 tbsp but I feel it lacks liquid to hold it together….we’ll see.
How much is 16 tsp of butter?
16 tbsp=226g or 1 US cup
(it’s tbsp tablespoon and not tsp teaspoon)
2 sticks!
I just printed you Lemon Shortbread recipe, looking forward to enjoying them.
Maureen from Stouffville Ontario Canada 🍁
I love your videos 👍🏽
Kaleb i have made several of your savory recipes. I just have to make this lemony DELICIOUSNESS!!! Off to HyVee for lemons and Blood oranges and fresh cranberries to experiment on the snowy day. Thank you for your wonderful ideas and great outlook on gardening and cooking.
Look delicious. I have never tried Citrus short bread. Getting ready to make it!
What size is the tart pan please?
Question on lemon shortbread cookie recipe: 1/2 tsp of lemon extract or juice of one whole lemon?
Enjoy your recipes – thank you!
Love love shortbread! Already printed and will make this evening! Thanks for share!!🍋
Love your presents on Instagram! I think you are fabulous!
You inspire me to try new things!
Love your videos. Going to make your sugar cookies and peppermint bark this week with my grandkids!!!! Can’t wait.