If you’re searching for a delightful treat that balances zesty brightness with buttery richness, this Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies feature a tender, crumbly texture enriched by the citrusy spark of lemon zest and juice, along with the subtle crunch and nuttiness of poppy seeds. Perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet snack, they bring sunshine to your kitchen and smiles to your table with every bite.

Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the soft butter that lends that classic shortbread crumb, to the fresh lemon components that brighten every bite, here’s what you’ll need.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of your dough that provides richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the lemon’s tartness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth with its warm, aromatic touch.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Delivers fresh citrus oils that infuse an intense lemon aroma.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Boosts the tangy brightness and balances the sweetness.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies, ensuring a tender but sturdy shortbread.
1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds delightful little crunches and a subtle nutty flavor throughout.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is essential for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture classic to shortbread cookies. Taking your time here ensures every bite is perfectly crumbly.

Step 2: Add Flavors

Next, mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients inject bright citrus notes and warmth into the dough, layering flavors that will shine throughout the cookie. Be sure to evenly incorporate these flavors to get a consistent taste.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, and salt. This blend will give your cookies the right structure along with a beautiful speckled look from the poppy seeds, all while balancing sweetness and adding subtle nuttiness in every bite.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the delicate crumbly texture that makes these cookies such a joy to eat. The dough should hold together but remain soft and pliable.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls or shape it into a log and slice, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown. The kitchen will fill with incredible citrusy aroma.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling fully is important to let the shortbread set properly, ensuring the perfect texture with every bite.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their presentation and add a subtle sweetness. A few fresh lemon slices or sprigs of mint can also brighten up the serving plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a bright, crisp white wine for an afternoon treat that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also complement these cookies wonderfully, adding balance and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with a thin layer of lemon curd sandwiched in between for a decadent twist. Or place them in a decorative tin with delicate parchment paper for gifting to friends and family – these charming cookies make an unforgettable homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your lemon poppy seed shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their tenderness while keeping them fresh and flavorful, so you can enjoy a little sunshine in every bite for days.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. To prevent sticking, separate layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

Shortbread cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This gently warms them without losing their delicate texture, reviving that buttery goodness.

FAQs

Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract in this Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

While lemon extract can provide a lemon flavor, it lacks the acidity and fresh brightness that fresh lemon juice adds. For the best taste, stick with fresh lemon juice, but if needed, a small amount of extract can be used as a supplement.

Are poppy seeds necessary for this recipe?

Poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor that complements the lemon perfectly. However, if you don’t have any, you can leave them out or replace them with finely chopped nuts for a different texture.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer if you want a binding agent. The lemon and poppy seeds remain the same, ensuring the bright flavors shine through.

Do these cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and improves their texture. Skipping the chilling step may result in spreading, producing thinner, crisper cookies.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just keep in mind that gluten-free flours can vary, so you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats whenever I want something that’s both comforting and refreshing. The simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to create a cookie that is as beautiful as it is delicious. I can’t wait for you to bake these and enjoy every buttery, citrusy bite just like I do!

Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.2 from 36 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these delicate Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies, combining the buttery richness of classic shortbread with a refreshing burst of lemon zest and juice, complemented by the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect as a light snack or elegant dessert, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the cookies evenly.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will create a tender texture in the cookies.
Add lemon flavor and vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until fully combined. These ingredients give the cookies their bright, citrusy flavor.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, and salt to evenly distribute the poppy seeds and salt throughout the flour.
Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough for slicing.
Slice and arrange: Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will not spread much during baking.
Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, ensuring a crisp yet tender texture.
Cool before serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest over the cookies just before baking.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
These cookies can also be frozen after baking and thawed at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can dust them with powdered sugar after baking.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American