Okay, so these cookies are too cute. I made lemon glazed Christmas tree shortbread last year—and wow. They looked like tiny holiday magic!

They’re buttery, soft, and have that little lemon zing. The glaze? Sweet and shiny. Everyone kept grabbing more from the cookie plate.

And they’re fun to make! Just cut, bake, and drizzle. It’s the perfect holiday baking moment.

Wanna bake some with me? I’ll show you how I make mine at home. Let’s make your cookie tray sparkle!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: Shaped like Christmas trees, these cookies add a cheerful touch to any holiday dessert table.
• Rich and Buttery: The classic shortbread base is soft yet crisp, melting in your mouth with every bite.
• Zesty Lemon Flavor: A bright, tangy glaze gives these cookies a refreshing citrus twist.
• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just mix, chill, cut, and bake!
• Great for Gifting: Beautifully decorated and delicious, these cookies make for the perfect homemade holiday gift.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these festive cookies, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Christmas tree cookie cutter
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small whisk or spoon (for the glaze)
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (for decoration, optional)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful lemon-glazed shortbread cookies. Exact measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom.

For the Shortbread Dough:

• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a light crunch.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the shortbread.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, creating a sturdy yet tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: The foundation of a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings a bright, tangy contrast to the rich shortbread.
• Yellow food coloring (optional): Adds a fun pop of color to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Shortbread Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

2. Chill the Dough

• Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a flat disc.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued)

3. Roll and Cut the Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

4. Bake the Shortbread

• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Making the Lemon Glaze

A light and tangy lemon glaze takes these shortbread cookies to the next level!

1. Prepare the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
• If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice, a few drops at a time. If too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
• For a festive touch, stir in a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the lemony look.

2. Glaze the Cookies

• Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip them in the lemon glaze.
• If you want a more decorative look, transfer the glaze into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off) and pipe fun patterns onto the cookies.
• Let the glaze set for 30-45 minutes before stacking or storing the cookies.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

These cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat! Try these creative ideas:

• Sprinkle Magic: Before the glaze sets, sprinkle the cookies with edible glitter, gold stars, or holiday sprinkles.
• Icing Details: Use green icing to outline the Christmas tree shape and add red dots for ornaments.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a twist, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the glazed cookies.
• Lemon Zest Garnish: A light sprinkle of fresh lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor.

These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or even a festive holiday punch. Serve them on a beautiful platter as part of your holiday dessert spread!

How to Store Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies

These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for holiday gifting and make-ahead treats!

Room Temperature Storage:

• Once the glaze has fully set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking.

Refrigerator Storage:

• If you live in a warm climate, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Instructions:

• Unbaked Dough: Wrap the shortbread dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
• Baked Cookies (Without Glaze): Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Variations and Flavor Twists

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Orange Glazed Shortbread: Swap lemon juice for fresh orange juice and zest for a warm citrus flavor.
• Spiced Holiday Shortbread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, spiced twist.
• Chocolate Dipped Trees: Dip the bottom half of each tree in melted dark or white chocolate for a fancy upgrade.
• Almond Shortbread: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty depth of flavor.
• Lavender Lemon: Add ½ teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough for an elegant floral touch.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120 kcal
Carbohydrates	14g
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Sugar	7g
Protein	1g
Sodium	20mg

(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.)

FAQs: Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it soften slightly before rolling and cutting.

2. How can I make the shortbread extra buttery?

Use high-quality European-style butter, which has a higher fat content and richer flavor.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice for the glaze?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

4. What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or refrigerate for 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months.

5. Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing instead of glaze?

Absolutely! If you want more detailed decorations, use royal icing instead of lemon glaze.

Conclusion

Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread is the perfect holiday treat—festive, buttery, and infused with a bright citrus twist. The delicate shortbread base melts in your mouth, while the tangy lemon glaze adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a warm cup of tea, these cookies bring a delightful burst of flavor to the season.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, with so many fun variations, you can customize the cookies to suit your holiday spread!