Dice crystallized ginger very finely; large sticky chunks can tear the square slices as the knife passes through.
Finely diced crystallized ginger and lemon zest speckle a firm dough log, giving each slice a bright citrus note and chewy ginger bite.
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Lemon Ginger Crystallized Shortbread Slices Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- mixer
- zester
- parchment
- bench scraper
- knife
- baking sheets
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Prepare the ingredients: Beat butter and sugar smooth; mix in flour and salt, then fold through finely diced ginger and lemon zest.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Shape into a 2-inch square log using parchment and a bench scraper.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Chill 2 hours.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Slice 24 pieces 1/4 inch thick, rotating the log to keep corners square.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15–18 minutes until dry at the edges.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Cool on the sheet.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Wipe sticky ginger from the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Technique & texture
Shape the log square while the dough is still pliable, then chill until firm.
Finishing & serving
Use lemon zest rather than juice to keep the dough dry and sliceable.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 6 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 6 days. |
| Refrigeration | As described | No refrigeration needed for the baked slices. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze the wrapped square log up to 1 month. slice after partial thawing. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze baked slices airtight up to 2 months. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw uncovered and keep the cookies flat until serving. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fresh ginger replace crystallized?
No; fresh ginger adds moisture. Use candied or crystallized ginger for this formula.
Why are corners rounded?
The log softened during chilling; press it square again while still cool and before slicing.
Can I add a lemon glaze?
A thin glaze after cooling is possible, though it softens the crisp edges slightly.
