Lemon Snowflake Shortbread

Lemon Snowflake Shortbread

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The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 It’s Lacamorea here, your Parisian-turned-American kitchen fairy, ready to sprinkle a little sweetness into your day. And today, oh là là… we’re talking about the most magical winter treat: lemon snowflake shortbread. Just saying the words makes me smile!

I still remember the first time I made lemon shortbread back in Paris. I must’ve been 12, barely tall enough to see over the counter, standing on my toes while zesting lemons with the focus of a tiny French chef in training. My mother used to say that winter baking wasn’t complete without something buttery, bright, and dusted with sugar like fresh snow. And she was right. Every year, we’d make buttery biscuits and sprinkle them with powdered sugar until they looked like little snowflakes hence the name!

Fast-forward to now, in my cozy American kitchen, and this lemon snowflake shortbread has become one of my most requested holiday treats. There’s something so charming about the way lemon brings sunshine into winter baking. It transforms classic shortbread into something lively, fragrant, and unforgettable. With every bite, you get that perfect mix: melt-in-your-mouth butteriness, a bright lemon zing, and a delicate snowy finish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

If you’re looking for a foolproof cookie that’s festive, elegant, and completely irresistible, this lemon snowflake shortbread is your new holiday superstar. The ingredients are simple, the technique is beginner-friendly, and the flavor? Chef’s kiss. 💋✨

Whether you’re baking with kids, sharing goodies with coworkers, or filling a cookie box for friends, these cookies always steal the show. And guess what? You can whip them up in under 30 minutes. Yes winter magic can be that easy! So get your apron ready, mon ami. Today we’re baking memories, joy, and lemony snowflakes. ❄️🍋💛

Ingredients for Lemon Snowflake Shortbread

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the snowflake finish:

  • Additional powdered sugar for dusting
  • Optional: extra lemon zest for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt.
  4. Slowly add the flour, mixing gently until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it, and chill for 20–30 minutes to firm it up.

Shape the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, about ½ inch thick.
  3. Use round cutters, snowflake cutters, or any shape you love.
  4. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake the Lemon Snowflake Shortbread

  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  3. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar this creates the snowflake effect!
  4. Let cool completely before storing or serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy with hot tea, mulled cider, or a cozy latte. 🫖☕
  • Pack them in festive tins for holiday gifts. 🎁
  • Serve on a dessert board with berries and white chocolate. 🍫
  • Add edible glitter for a dazzling snowy look. ✨

Recipe Card 📝🍋❄️

⏱️ Time

  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Chill: 20 minutes
  • Bake: 12–15 minutes
  • Total: ~45 minutes

🧺 Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Flour
  • Lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Vanilla
  • Salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar.
  2. Add lemon, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Mix in the flour.
  4. Chill the dough.
  5. Roll, cut, and bake.
  6. Dust with powdered sugar.

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon lemon extract.
  • Don’t brown the cookies shortbread should stay pale.
  • Dough can be made 2 days ahead.

📊 Nutrition (per cookie)

Approx. 110 calories
6g fat • 12g carbs • 1g protein • 6g sugar

Conclusion

And there you have it a batch of bright, buttery lemon snowflake shortbread cookies that turn any winter day into something magical. These cookies remind me of home, of family baking days in France, and of the joy that simple recipes can bring. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies add sparkle to the season. So go ahead… bake a little magic, share a little sweetness, and let lemony snowflakes fill your home with warmth. ❄️🍋💛

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