Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between buttery richness and bright, citrusy zest, then this Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These cookies are a heavenly blend of tender shortbread texture with lively bursts of fresh lemon and the delightful crunch of poppy seeds. Every bite feels like a sunny afternoon, making them a favorite to share with friends, bring to gatherings, or simply enjoy with your afternoon tea. Trust me when I say, once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat whenever you crave a little sunshine in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each perfectly chosen to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing lemony flavor. Nothing complicated here, just essentials that work harmoniously to achieve something truly special.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Creates the rich, tender base typical of classic shortbread.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds smooth sweetness and helps create a delicate texture.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and adds subtle crunch during creaming.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings fresh citrus brightness that wakes up the dough.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Packs intense lemon flavor in every bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens overall flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder that keeps the cookies tender yet sturdy.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds a gentle nutty crunch and beautiful specks throughout the cookies.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Soften your butter well so it creams easily with the sugars, setting the stage for that perfect shortbread texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender crumb that’s anything but dense.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Salt

Mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. This step infuses the dough with vibrant citrus flavor and a touch of saltiness that enhances all the other ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the flour, blending just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, and we want these shortbreads soft and crumbly.

Step 5: Stir in the Poppy Seeds

Fold in the poppy seeds, which add that signature crunchy texture and the visual appeal of tiny black specks dancing through the pale dough.

Step 6: Chill and Shape the Dough

Shape your dough either into a log or flatten it into a disc, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds or roll it out to cut into your favorite shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden—this is when the cookies develop their characteristic buttery flavor without drying out.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set perfectly so they hold their crumbly texture without being fragile.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra pizzazz, try drizzling a simple lemon glaze or dusting the cookies lightly with powdered sugar. A thin layer of lemon icing not only amps up the citrus flavor but also adds a glossy, attractive finish to these already beautiful treats.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal or green tea, highlighting the refreshing lemon notes. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert option.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party or gifting some to a friend, consider stacking them with parchment paper between layers in a pretty tin tied with twine. You can also sandwich them with lemon curd or buttercream for a show-stopping lemon poppy seed cookie sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with coworkers.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with slicing and baking as usual.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven will revive their buttery softness without making them overly crispy.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

Absolutely! If fresh lemons aren’t available, substitute 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for the fresh juice and zest. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderfully lemony.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This particular Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour and isn’t gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, you’d need to experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture might vary from traditional shortbread.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can try using vegan butter and a substitute for powdered sugar if it contains bone char, but note this might affect the flavor and texture slightly. The lemon and poppy seeds will still shine through nicely.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling firms the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helping maintain their tender, crumbly texture. It also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together.

How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?

For a more intense lemon kick, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract. You can also top the cookies with lemon glaze to boost the citrusy brightness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s both timeless and bursting with freshness, the Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe should be your next bake. The combination of buttery shortbread with zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds will make these cookies an instant favorite in your kitchen lineup. I encourage you to try baking them soon—you’ll be delighted by how easily they come together and how irresistible they taste. Happy baking!

Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.2 from 34 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including 30 minutes chill time)
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these classic Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery texture infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, complemented by the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. Perfectly crisp and lightly sweetened, these cookies make a refreshing treat ideal for holidays, teatime, or any occasion requiring a bright citrus twist.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the powdered sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Lemon and Salt: Incorporate the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt into the creamed mixture, blending until evenly combined to infuse a bright, citrus flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour a little at a time, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Fold in Poppy Seeds: Gently stir the poppy seeds evenly into the dough to provide a pleasant crunch and visual appeal.
6. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disc, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to slice or roll out.
7. Slice or Cut Shapes: Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds or roll it out on a floured surface and cut into your desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Bake: Arrange the cookie slices or shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• For a more intense lemon flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
• Enhance sweetness by dipping the cooled cookies in lemon glaze or drizzling glaze over the top.
• Dough can be prepared in advance and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American