There’s something irresistibly charming about shortbread cookies. But when you add a bright citrus twist? Magic happens. These Citrus Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—with just the right pop of zesty lemon and orange to brighten any day. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend treat, packing them in a spring picnic basket, or adding them to your holiday cookie tray, these cookies have a way of stealing the spotlight.

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Growing up, my grandmother always had a tin of shortbread on the table. It was her go-to treat for everything—guests, tea, even as a quick snack with a book in the afternoon. I remember the way she’d zest an orange right over the dough, the citrusy aroma wrapping around us like a warm hug. These cookies are my modern nod to those memories. They carry that same timeless feel, but with an extra zing that makes them feel fresh and new.

The beauty of shortbread is in its simplicity—just a few pantry staples, some zest, and a little love. There’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated steps, making this a perfect recipe whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade cookies. Plus, they keep well, taste even better the next day, and make adorable edible gifts tied up in ribbon.

Let’s dive in and make something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bright and refreshing: The citrus zest adds a sunny twist to traditional buttery shortbread.
Simple ingredients: No fancy ingredients—just the basics and some fresh citrus.
Perfect texture: Tender, buttery, and just the right amount of crisp.
Make-ahead friendly: The dough can be made in advance, and the cookies store beautifully.
Great for gifting: These pretty cookies look elegant and taste like sunshine.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
1 ½ teaspoons orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: additional sugar for sprinkling on top

HOW TO MAKE CITRUS SHORTBREAD COOKIES:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer here—whichever you prefer. Beat until it’s light, creamy, and almost fluffy. This step helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we love in shortbread.

Step 2: Add Citrus Zest and Vanilla
Now comes the magic—add in the lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract. As soon as that citrus hits the bowl, you’ll smell the sunshine. Mix everything just until it’s incorporated. Take a second to pause and breathe in that fresh, vibrant scent—it’s part of the joy.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter mixture, mixing on low speed. It’ll start to look crumbly at first—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want. Eventually, the dough will come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Chill the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and shape it into a log or disk, depending on whether you’re slicing or rolling it out later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is key for flavor development and easy shaping.

Step 5: Roll, Slice, or Shape
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and use cookie cutters for fun shapes, or simply slice your dough log into rounds. Lay them out on the baking sheet with a little space between each one.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. You don’t want them too browned—just lightly kissed with color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you like, sprinkle them with a bit of sugar while they’re still warm for a sparkly finish.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Don’t skip the chill time: It helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and keeping the cookies from spreading too much.
Use fresh zest: Dried citrus zest just won’t have the same impact. Fresh zest gives the cookies their signature bright flavor.
Double up the batch: These cookies disappear fast—especially if you share them. Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
Storage tip: These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, and they also freeze beautifully.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

You can easily adapt this recipe with other citrus fruits—lime or grapefruit zest would also work beautifully. If you’re a glaze person, a light drizzle of citrus glaze over the top takes these up another level.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per cookie – approx.)
Calories: 120
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed as normal.

What if I don’t have both lemon and orange?
No worries—you can use just one or the other. The flavor will still be delicious, just a little less complex.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but still lovely.

How do I keep my shortbread from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is the trick. Make sure it’s well-chilled before baking.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in layers with parchment paper in between. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other buttery delights:

Creamy Lemon Cheesecake
Homemade Strawberry Danish

CONCLUSION

These Citrus Shortbread Cookies are a beautiful blend of comfort and brightness—perfect for a rainy afternoon pick-me-up, a springtime brunch, or simply because you need something sweet and sunny in your day. They’re simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and totally irresistible. Once you bake a batch, don’t be surprised if they become a regular in your cookie rotation.