Description
Buttery shortbread cookies topped with zesty citrus glaze in vibrant orange, lemon, and lime hues. These cheerful, tangy-sweet treats are as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for spring, summer, or festive gifting.
Ingredients
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For the Shortbread Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Citrus Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 teaspoons fresh citrus juice (orange, lemon, or lime)
- Zest from 1 lemon, 1 lime, and 1 orange (divided)
- Gel food coloring (orange, yellow, green)
- White royal icing for details (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla, then gradually add flour and salt until dough forms.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into rounds using a fluted cookie cutter.
- Place on baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges. Cool completely.
- For the glaze, divide powdered sugar into three bowls. Add a few drops of citrus juice and zest to each (lemon, lime, orange) to form a spreadable glaze. Tint each with matching food coloring.
- Spread each cookie top with colored glaze. Let dry, then pipe on white lines for citrus wedge effect if desired.
- Allow icing to fully set before storing in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg