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Brown-Butter-Citrus-Shortbread-Cookies-Recipe

Brown Butter Citrus Shortbread Cookies

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These Brown Butter Citrus Shortbread Cookies bring together an irresistible flavor profile with citrus zest and rich butter. Perfect for anyone seeking an easy, homemade treat, they are delightful for any occasion!

  • Total Time: 4 hours 34 minutes
  • Yield: 60 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 30 tablespoons (15 ounces/424 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) powdered/ confectioners sugar
  • 3 heaping tablespoons citrus zest
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups (420 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon table salt, or 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • lemon icing
  • *optional

Instructions

  1. Melt 16 tablespoons (226 grams) of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until the milk solids turn golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning, then pour into a bowl and let cool until solid yet soft.
  2. Mix the browned butter with the remaining 14 tablespoons (198 grams) of butter, powdered sugar, and zest in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Increase to medium-high speed and mix until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla, mixing well for 1-2 more minutes.
  3. Combine flour and salt, then add to the mixing bowl. Beat on low speed until the dough forms together.
  4. Divide the dough into halves and shape each into an 8-inch disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
  5. Let the dough rest at room temperature until soft enough to roll but still cold. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Place one disk of dough between two sheets of parchment and roll into a 1/2-inch thick oval. Peel off the top layer of parchment paper.
  7. Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to the baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Repeat with remaining dough.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake for 12-14 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. The cookies should be slightly browned around the edges.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, drizzle with lemon icing if desired.

Last Step:

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Notes

The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated.
For an added flavor boost, use a mix of lemon and orange zest.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

  • Author: dani
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 234 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg