Description
These Lemon Thyme Shortbread Cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a delicate balance of citrus and herbal flavors. The lemon zest and fresh thyme make them refreshingly aromatic and perfect for tea time or any time.
Ingredients
Scale
- Essentials:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225g)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (68g)
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tbsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract or lemon extract
- Optional Add-ons:
- Chopped pistachios
- Drizzle of dark chocolate (after baking)
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Thyme Sugar: Use a mortar and pestle or food processor to grind together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and thyme until fragrant and well blended.
- Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the lemon thyme sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar and beat until fully combined.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix slowly, then knead by hand until a cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out and Cut: On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/3-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies on a lined sheet for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use fresh thyme for the most aromatic results, but dried thyme works in a pinch.
- Don’t skip chilling—the dough firms up and bakes more evenly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Optional drizzle of dark chocolate adds a delicious twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: lemon thyme shortbread, herbal cookies, shortbread, lemon cookies, thyme cookies, tea cookies, citrus desserts