The Perfect Holiday Treat: Lemon Shortbread Christmas Cookies
When it comes to festive baking during the holiday season, lemon shortbread Christmas cookies are a delightful and refreshing twist on traditional treats. These buttery and zesty cookies are sure to brighten up any holiday gathering and leave your guests craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Sift in the flour gradually while mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on a wire rack before decorating with sprinkles or colored sugar, if desired.
Enjoy Your Lemon Shortbread Christmas Cookies!
These lemon shortbread Christmas cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Their tangy flavor and buttery texture make them a festive favorite that will surely add a touch of brightness to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!
5 Tips for Perfect Lemon Shortbread Christmas Cookies
- Chill the dough before shaping and baking to prevent spreading.
- Add lemon zest for a vibrant citrus flavor in the cookies.
- Dust the baked cookies with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Serve with hot tea or coffee for a delightful holiday treat.
Chill the dough before shaping and baking to prevent spreading.
Chilling the dough before shaping and baking is a crucial tip when making lemon shortbread Christmas cookies. By allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator, it firms up and solidifies, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step ensures that the cookies maintain their desired shape and texture, resulting in perfectly crisp and buttery treats with a delightful hint of lemon flavor. So, don’t skip this important chilling step to achieve picture-perfect lemon shortbread Christmas cookies every time.
Add lemon zest for a vibrant citrus flavor in the cookies.
To enhance the flavor profile of your lemon shortbread Christmas cookies, consider adding lemon zest to infuse them with a vibrant citrusy taste. The zesty essence of lemon zest brings a refreshing and tangy note to the buttery shortbread base, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the overall taste of the cookies. This simple addition not only adds a burst of citrus flavor but also adds a festive touch that will surely impress your guests during the holiday season.
Dust the baked cookies with powdered sugar for a festive look.
To add a festive touch to your lemon shortbread Christmas cookies, a simple yet effective tip is to dust the baked cookies with powdered sugar. This final step not only enhances the visual appeal of the cookies but also adds a hint of sweetness that complements the tangy lemon flavor. The delicate white dusting resembles a sprinkle of winter snow, making these treats even more perfect for the holiday season. Just a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your cookies to a whole new level of festive charm, ensuring they look as delightful as they taste.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
To keep your lemon shortbread Christmas cookies fresh and delicious for longer, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container. This simple tip helps maintain the cookies’ texture and flavor, ensuring that they stay crisp and flavorful with every bite. By sealing the cookies in an airtight container, you can enjoy their zesty goodness for days to come, making them a perfect treat to have on hand during the holiday season or to share with friends and family as a delightful homemade gift.
Serve with hot tea or coffee for a delightful holiday treat.
For a truly delightful holiday treat, pair your freshly baked lemon shortbread Christmas cookies with a steaming cup of hot tea or coffee. The zesty lemon flavor of the cookies complements the warmth and richness of the beverages, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will elevate your holiday snacking experience. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment by the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree or hosting a festive gathering with loved ones, serving these cookies with hot tea or coffee is sure to add an extra touch of coziness and joy to your holiday celebrations.
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