Citrus Shortbread Cookies

Oh wow, these Citrus Shortbread Cookies smell so fresh. The little citrus zest pops right up. And I was like, okay, I need one now.

When I took a bite, they were soft and buttery. The citrus adds a bright, yummy twist. It felt light and happy in my mouth.

I kept reaching for more because they’re just that good. The flavors are simple but feel fancy. And I thought, you’ll totally love these too.

So yeah, let’s make these cookies together. It’s super easy. And the taste is totally worth it.

Why You’ll Love These Citrus Shortbread Cookies

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The bright zest of orange and the rich, buttery base combine to create a flavor that’s both fresh and comforting.
• Crisp & Tender: The texture of these cookies is perfect — crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and slightly crumbly as a great shortbread should be.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic pantry items, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Customizable: Whether you want to add more citrus zest or throw in a handful of chopped nuts, these cookies are flexible to suit your taste.
• Great for Gifting: Packaged in a beautiful tin or box, these cookies make for an excellent homemade gift during the holiday season or as a thoughtful treat for any occasion.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have these tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
• Zester or Grater: To zest your citrus fruits.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets and prevent sticking.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: To portion the dough evenly.
• Wire Rack: To cool your cookies evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (this is the base of your dough).
• Baking Powder: ¼ teaspoon (just a pinch to help the dough rise ever so slightly).
• Salt: ⅛ teaspoon (balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor).
• Butter (Unsalted): 1 cup, softened (the star ingredient for that rich, buttery texture).
• Confectioners’ Sugar: ¾ cup (this sugar will give the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth consistency).
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (adds depth and warmth).
• Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon (for a subtle nutty flavor).
• Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon, finely grated (adds a refreshing citrus zing).
• Dried Cranberries: 2 cups, chopped (optional, but adds a pop of color and sweetness).

Variations for Citrus Shortbread Cookies

• Different Citrus Zests: While orange zest is the star of this recipe, you can switch things up by using lemon or lime zest for a tangier cookie.
• Add Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, try folding in finely chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts into the dough.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle some melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an extra special touch.
• Add Dried Fruit: Dried cherries or blueberries can make a fun twist on the classic recipe, giving the cookies a beautiful color contrast and a chewy bite.
• Spices: You can also experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your dough for a spiced-up version of these citrus shortbread cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Citrus Shortbread Cookies

1. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this aside for later. This dry mixture helps create a solid structure for your shortbread cookies.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. The butter should be at room temperature for the best texture. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the texture of the cookies, as it creates air bubbles that give the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth feel.

3. Add the Flavorings

Once the butter and sugar are well creamed, add in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest. Mix these into the butter-sugar mixture until combined. The orange zest will fill your kitchen with a refreshing citrus aroma — it’s a sign that you’re about to bake something amazing!

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. I like to add it in small batches, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing will result in tough cookies, so be sure to stop as soon as everything is incorporated. The dough should be thick and slightly crumbly.

5. Fold in the Dried Cranberries (Optional)

If you’re adding dried cranberries, now is the time to fold them in. Gently stir the cranberries into the dough with a spatula. The tangy sweetness of the cranberries complements the citrusy dough beautifully, but they’re entirely optional if you prefer a pure citrus shortbread.

6. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and also deepens the flavors.

7. Preheat the Oven and Line Baking Sheets

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

8. Shape the Cookies

After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can flatten the dough balls slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers for a classic shortbread shape.

9. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them — the cookies should turn a light golden color around the edges but remain pale in the center. Don’t worry if they look slightly underdone in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.

10. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still hot.

How to Serve Citrus Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are great all on their own, but they can be dressed up in several ways:

• Serve with Tea or Coffee: Their light texture and citrus flavor pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• With a Fruit Jam: Add a dollop of your favorite jam or preserve on top of each cookie for a sweet and fruity twist.
• As a Gift: These cookies are perfect for gift-giving! Package them in a cute tin or box, and they’ll make a thoughtful present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
• At Parties: Set them out at your next party or gathering. These cookies are bound to be a hit.

Storing Citrus Shortbread Cookies

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing. To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Nutrition with Table Format

Nutrient	Per Cookie
Calories	150
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	10g
Protein	1g
Sodium	50mg

Conclusion

These Citrus Shortbread Cookies are a fantastic twist on a classic favorite. They’re buttery, crisp, and perfectly balanced with the zing of citrus. Whether you’re making them for yourself, a gift, or a party, you’re sure to impress with these delightful treats. Plus, they’re simple enough for beginner bakers but sophisticated enough for experienced ones. So go ahead, make a batch today, and indulge in the fresh, zesty goodness of these citrusy delights!