Description
Delightfully buttery and zesty lemon shortbread cookies topped with delicate edible flowers, perfect for a light and elegant treat. These crisp and tender cookies combine the bright flavor of lemon zest with the subtle sweetness of shortbread, adorned with edible flowers for a charming presentation.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 7½ tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 teaspoons lemon zest
Topping
- Edible flowers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 325℉ to ensure it reaches the desired temperature while you prepare the dough.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside for placing the cookies before baking.
- Combine Sugar and Lemon Peel: In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and lemon zest.
- Rub Sugar and Lemon Zest: Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and well combined, enhancing the lemon flavor.
- Add Butter and Beat: Add the room temperature unsalted butter to the sugar and lemon mixture. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour and salt until fully combined and forming a soft dough.
- Roll Dough: Turn the dough out onto a non-stick surface such as parchment paper, a silicone mat, or a marble board. Cover the dough with another piece of parchment paper and roll it to approximately ⅜ inch thickness.
- Cut Cookies: Use a 2¼ inch scalloped cookie cutter to cut the dough into shapes. Gather any scraps and re-roll if needed, avoiding flour to maintain the dough’s texture.
- Place on Baking Sheet and Add Flowers: Arrange the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Top each cookie with an edible flower, pressing lightly to adhere them to the dough.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, until the edges just start to color lightly.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not use flour when rolling out dough to preserve the crumbly texture; simply re-roll scraps as needed.
- Use fresh, pesticide-free edible flowers safe for consumption.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
