Description
Crisp and buttery shortbread cookies uplifted with bright lemon zest and fragrant fresh rosemary—perfect for tea time or anytime as a light, elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all‑purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp finely minced fresh rosemary
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, lemon zest, and rosemary. Set aside. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- In a stand mixer, beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (~3 minutes). Add vanilla and lemon juice; mix until combined. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour until firm. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Preheat oven to 325 °F (160 °C). Roll dough on lightly floured surface to ~¼‑inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and transfer to parchment‑lined baking sheets. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden. Cool on sheets for a few minutes, then move to wire racks to cool completely. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Store in an airtight container—cookies stay fresh for about a week or can be frozen. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Notes
- Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and prevents spreading.
- For stronger lemon aroma, you can rub lemon zest into sugar before mixing—this helps release more essential oils. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Optional: add a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a subtly tangy finish.
- Herb note: finely mince the rosemary to avoid biting into large, overpowering pieces. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Prep Time: ~20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert / Cookie
- Method: Creaming + Bake
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (estimate)
- Calories: ≈100–120 kcal
- Sugar: ≈5 g
- Sodium: ≈20 mg
- Fat: ≈7 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈10 g
- Fiber: ≈0.1 g
- Protein: ≈0.5 g
- Cholesterol: ≈10 mg
