Although it’s one of the easiest cookies to make, shortbread has a flavor and texture that’s anything but simplistic. Sophisticated with a sandy yet buttery texture, the cookie can be adapted to suit any taste. Here, a trio of citrus flavors adds a bright finish to every bite.
Citrus Shortbread
Yields | 12 cookies |
Citrus Shortbread
- 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2½ Tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- zest of 1 lemon, finely grated, divided
- zest of 1 orange, finely grated, divided
- zest of 1 lime, finely grated, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup demerara sugar, for coating
Lemon Glaze
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
| Preparation – Citrus Shortbread | In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter with salt, sugar, vanilla, ½ of the lemon zest, ½ of the orange zest and ½ of the lime zest. Once combined, add flour; mix on low until just combined and no flour streaks remain. The final dough will look crumbly.
Transfer dough to a large sheet of parchment paper; lightly press it together with your hands. Set a second sheet of parchment paper on top and then roll out dough until ¼ inch thick. Place parchment-encased dough onto a baking sheet; transfer to freezer and let sit until dough is completely frozen, at least 2 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare lemon glaze.
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove dough from freezer and set on a clean work surface; discard parchment paper. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds of dough. Combine scraps of dough and roll out again until ¼ inch thick; cut out remaining cookies. Brush the edges of each round with egg wash and roll in demerara sugar. Set coated cookies on prepared baking sheet, 1 inch apart; bake, 11 minutes. Remove from oven; set on wire rack to cool, 1 minute, and then brush the center of each cookie with lemon glaze. Allow glaze to set, 1 minute, and then brush with a second layer of lemon glaze. Sprinkle cookies with remaining zests for a colorful citrus-confetti garnish.
| Preparation – Lemon Glaze | In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
