DESSERTS

Delicious Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies Recipe

by basmer

25 de December de 2025

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Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that you will want to make again and again. These rich buttery cookies with citrus flavors are not only easy to prepare but also impress everyone with their zesty taste and tender texture. What’s better than a batch of these sweet citrus butter cookies fresh from the oven? Let’s dive into the world of buttery citrus shortbread cookies and discover how to make these citrus-flavored shortbread treats at home!

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies

You’ll fall in love with these cookies for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both novice and seasoned bakers. Second, the combination of lemon and orange zests creates a delightful, zesty flavor that elevates traditional shortbread. Third, they yield soft buttery citrus cookies that melt in your mouth. Fourth, they are great for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a gift for a friend. Additionally, these cookies are versatile; you can customize them with various add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Lastly, this recipe results in a satisfying yield of about 24 cookies, ensuring there’s plenty to share!

Ingredients for Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon orange zest (or more to taste)
2 cups sweetened dried cranberries, finely chopped

How to Make Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
Step 7: Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll into logs about 7 inches long.
Step 8: Wrap each log tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10: Slice chilled dough into ½-inch rounds and place 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Step 11: Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned.
Step 12: Cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
Do not over-mix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; this will keep your cookies tender.
For a more intense citrus flavor, consider adding more lemon or orange zest to the mixture.
Make sure to chill the dough correctly to help maintain the cookie shape while baking.

Best Ways to Serve Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in a decorative box or tin. Pair them with fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience. You can also create a dessert platter featuring these zesty shortbread cookies with butter, assorted pastries, and fruits.

How to Store and Reheat Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the dough logs before slicing. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, slice them while still frozen and bake as directed. This is a great way for meal prep and ensures you always have fresh cookies on hand!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies?

The secret lies in the balance of ingredients and the technique of mixing. Using high-quality butter and chilling the dough ensures that these buttery lemon shortbread cookies maintain a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for several days or freeze it for longer storage. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies ready whenever you like without the hassle of starting from scratch.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies?

Avoid over-mixing the dough and ensure your butter is softened properly. This will prevent your cookies from becoming tough. Also, be cautious not to bake them too long, as they should remain light in color and soft to the touch.

Variations of Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies You Can Try

There are many delectable variations of this classic buttery shortbread with a citrus twist. Try adding different citrus zests like lime or grapefruit for unique flavors. You can also incorporate chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. For a gourmet touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle them with sea salt for contrast.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cranberry Orange Pancakes or Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze. If you’re looking for a savory option, try our Korean BBQ Meatballs or Sweet Potato Biscuits. For more tips on baking, visit Last Recipes.

For more information on the benefits of citrus in baking, you can refer to this Healthline article on citrus fruits.

Delicious Buttery Citrus Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Author: basmer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These buttery citrus shortbread cookies are easy to make and impress everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon orange zest (or more to taste)
2 cups sweetened dried cranberries, finely chopped

Instructions

Gather all ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.
Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll into logs about 7 inches long.
Wrap each log tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice chilled dough into ½-inch rounds and place 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned.
Cool slightly before serving.