Glaze only cold cookies so the coating stays on the surface.
Rolled lemon cookies with a thin tart glaze for a bright holiday plate.
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Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cut-Outs 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
- rolling pin
- 2-inch cutter
- two half sheets
- zester
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Mix
- Beat butter and sugar just until smooth. Add zest, then mix in salt and flour on low speed until clumps form; press together without kneading.
Shape
- Roll dough between parchment to 1/4 inch thick and chill flat for 45 minutes. Cut 30 cookies with a 2-inch cutter, gently rerolling scraps.
Bake
- Heat oven to 325°F (165°C), or 300°F (150°C) fan. Place 15 per lined half sheet, 1 inch apart. Bake one tray at a time 16–20 minutes until lightly golden at the edges. Cool 10 minutes on trays and 20 minutes on a rack.
Finish
- Stir glaze sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spread a thin layer over cold cookies and leave 45 minutes to set.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Glaze only cold cookies so the coating stays on the surface.
Technique & texture
Measure flour without packing the cup; excess flour makes dough harder to shape.
Finishing & serving
Use cool trays and let the cookies firm before moving them.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 5 days | Keep airtight in a cool dry room for up to 5 days. |
| Refrigeration | As described | Baked refrigeration is unnecessary; use airtight containers if the room is hot. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze unbaked dough airtight up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before shaping. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze baked uncoated cookies up to 2 months; glaze or drizzle after thawing. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw covered at room temperature and apply fresh coating. Do not reheat glazed cookies. |
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 30 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the lemon glaze running off?
The cookies may still be warm. Let them cool fully and use the listed sugar-to-juice ratio.
Must I chill the dough before cutting?
The 45-minute flat chill makes the dough firmer and helps the 1/4-inch cut-outs hold their shape.
Can I freeze the cookies with the glaze?
Freeze unglazed baked cookies, thaw covered and apply fresh glaze for the cleanest finish.
