Go Back
+ servings
A grid of 4 lemon desserts in one photo. Lemon poppyseed cake, lemon meringue cookies, lemon coconut cookies, and lemon buttercream frosting.
5 stars (1 rating)

8 Fresh and Easy Lemon Dessert Recipes Including Easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies

If you are wondering what you can do with a bunch of lemons or lemon curd, look no further! This collection of 8 lemon dessert recipes features fresh and easy ways you can use them all up. From cookies, to cake to bars, you cannot go wrong with any of these delicious desserts!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, (227g) softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, (56g)
  • 2 tsp lemon zest, from 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, optional
  • 2 cups all purpose flour, (240g)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • turbinado sugar, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium sized bowl or the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the 1 cup butter and 1/2 cup confectioners sugar together on low until light and airy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Add the 2 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (if using), and mix lightly to combine. Add in the 2 cups of flour and 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Mix until a unified dough forms.
  • Shape the dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour. Unwrap the dough and place it between 2 pieces of parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1/2" thickness and cut out shapes using a cookie cutter. Repeat the process with scraps. You might have to chill the scraps for a few minutes again before re-rolling. Lift the cookies using an offset spatula 1 1/2" apart onto their baking tray.
  • If possible chill the cookies for another 10 minutes on the baking tray.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until firm. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar or more lemon zest if you want!

Notes

Turbinado sugar is a coarse type of sugar that can be added to the top of the shortbread.
If the cookies are falling apart while cutting and moving them, chill the dough for a few minutes to harden it up. 
The vanilla extract is optional to add extra flavor.
Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 116kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 26mg, Potassium: 14mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 236IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I read them all!