If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both elegant and easy to make, Lemon Thyme Shortbread is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the buttery richness of traditional shortbread with the bright citrusy flavor of lemon and the subtle, herbaceous notes of fresh thyme. These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or even as a gift for someone special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the lemon zest, chopped thyme, and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the shortbread tough.
2. Shape and Chill the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Alternatively, you can roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut it into shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Wrap the dough log or the cut-out cookies in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial for maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking.
3. Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using the log method, slice the chilled dough into ¼ inch thick rounds. If you’ve used cookie cutters, place the chilled shapes directly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Optional Glaze:
- If you’d like to add a bit of extra sweetness and a decorative touch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze. To make the glaze, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme really makes a difference in this recipe. If you can, use fresh thyme leaves rather than dried ones for a more vibrant flavor.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Lemon Zest: When zesting the lemon, make sure to only grate the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Thyme Shortbread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re also great for gifting—just package them in a pretty tin or box, and you’ve got a lovely homemade gift. These cookies are light enough to enjoy any time of day, whether as a mid-morning snack or a light dessert after dinner.
Conclusion
Lemon Thyme Shortbread offers a delightful combination of flavors that’s both refreshing and comforting. The buttery shortbread, bright lemon zest, and earthy thyme make these cookies a unique and delicious treat. Give them a try, and you’ll find they quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!