Since I was a kid, shortbread cookies have been my absolute favorite. My mom often made them in huge batches and would bag, box and freeze them, always ensuring a tasty snack when friends popped by or a sweet homemade gift when needed.

Buttery and crumbly with a bit of a snap when broken, shortbread cookies melt in your mouth and are the perfect complement to any tea, coffee, or cocoa.

Nearly all variations of the classic shortbread recipe are simple in nature, requiring only a few ingredients, likely already in your fridge and pantry. They can be made with white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar; they can be dipped in dark, milk and white chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt, course sugar, sprinkles, crushed candies or nuts. For a more sophisticated flavor, shortbread cookies can be enhanced with herbs like lavender and bergamot. The possibilities are endless!

For this recipe, I’ve teamed up again with Paradise Fruit Co. to bring you a new twist on a perfect classic, Shortbread au Citron. Inspired by the French Sables biscuit, this tender cookie boasts the familiar rich buttery flavor, but with a note of delicate lemon accented by pops of bitter candied lemon peel, lending an extra layer of texture and brightening its overall taste profile, pleasing the palates of lemon lovers and Francophiles alike. The process of baking the candied lemon peel bits into the shortbread gives them more of a “chocolate chip” feel, making the bite into them all the more satisfying. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy sweet offering for your next shower or party, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!

Print Recipe

Buttery Shortbread au Citron

Tender buttery cookie with delicate lemon flavor and bold accents of candied lemon peel

Course

dessert

Cuisine

Baked Goods

Keyword

cookie, dessert, fruit, lemon, Paradise Candied Fruit, shortbread

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

13-15 Minutes

Servings

Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 Cup (two sticks) Room temperature butter
• 2 1/4 Cup All purpose flour
• 1/4 Teaspoon salt
• 1/3 Cup Diced candied lemon peel From Paradise Fruit Co.
• Sugar for dusting (Optional)

Course dessert Cuisine Baked Goods Keyword cookie, dessert, fruit, lemon, Paradise Candied Fruit, shortbread Prep Time 10 Minutes Cook Time 13-15 Minutes Servings Cookies Ingredients 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar Zest of one lemon 1 Cup (two sticks) Room temperature butter 2 1/4 Cup All purpose flour 1/4 Teaspoon salt 1/3 Cup Diced candied lemon peel From Paradise Fruit Co. Sugar for dusting (Optional)

Instructions

1. With mixer or food processor, cream butter and sugar until well-incorporated.
2. Add lemon zest and flour and mix just until combined.
3. Add diced candied lemon peel and mix just until incorporated, 5 seconds.
4. Turn dough out onto a large piece of wax or parchment paper and gently form into approximately 8-inch log. Wrap in paper and roll gently to smooth.
5. Chill dough log in fridge for at least 3 to 4 hours, up to a few days.
6. When ready to bake, heat oven to 375F degrees.
7. Roll chilled log in granulated or coarse sugar (optional) before slicing and arranging on cookie sheet (lined with parchment or silicone baking mat).
8. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges just start to develop color.
9. Remove from oven and cool completely.