These Lemon Shortbread Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the luxurious richness of butter with a refreshing burst of tangy lemon and subtle hints of aromatic thyme. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a versatile treat suitable for any occasion. Whether savored on their own or enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee, these cookies promise to elevate your snacking experience with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor profile.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This initial step ensures that the oven reaches the optimal temperature for baking the cookies evenly. The parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup effortless and ensuring each cookie bakes to perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter
Creaming the softened butter is a critical step in achieving the desired texture for your Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until it turns light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, resulting in a lighter and more delicate cookie texture. Gradually add the cane sugar to the creamed butter, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Properly creamed butter and sugar ensure that the cookies have a tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth consistency once baked.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Enhance the flavor profile of your shortbread dough by incorporating fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped thyme leaves. Mix these aromatic ingredients into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The lemon zest provides a vibrant citrus flavor, while the lemon juice adds a hint of tanginess. Fresh thyme leaves contribute subtle herbal notes that complement the buttery richness of the cookies. Ensuring even distribution of these flavorings guarantees that each bite of your Lemon Shortbread Cookies bursts with refreshing citrus and aromatic herbaceousness.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and sea salt to the dough mixture, stirring until just combined. It’s essential not to overmix at this stage to avoid developing too much gluten, which can result in tough cookies. The flour binds the ingredients together, giving the cookies structure, while the sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of savory contrast. Mix the dough until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform consistency without overworking the dough.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll out the prepared dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Use cookie cutters to create shapes or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles. Arrange the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before storing them at room temperature in an airtight container. This step ensures that the cookies maintain their crisp texture and delicious flavor until you’re ready to enjoy them.