Orange blossom shortbread

These simple orange blossom shortbread cookies are like no other cookie you have ever tasted before. These melt in your mouth shortbread cookies are sweet, floral, zesty, buttery, and full of delicious flavor.

Shortbread cookies are the household favorite around here. We like them thin, crisp, golden brown, a little salty and a little variation in flavor never hurts. Shortbread is a simple recipe but I enjoy making them different ways depending on if I need them for a cookie crust, like in these Lemon lavender bars or if I'm going slice and bake - like in these pistachio shortbread.

This shortbread cookie recipe I used my regular cut out shortbread method, but actually pressed the dough into a mold instead of using one of my fun cookie cutters. As the soft dough forms into the mold, it bakes evenly and yielded a beautiful shape.

These shortbread cookie make a great gift idea, especially since shortbread has a long shelf life in comparison to other baked goods. Gift if with a little orange blossom infused honey, a personalized gift note, oh so sweet. You may also love my lavender cookies.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THEM:

• Delicious shortbread, super fine crumb and super crispy if you like them that way!
• Easy to roll out dough - perfect for cutting shapes
• Delicious and adaptable flavors, go with another citrus fruit and herb if you fancy

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

• 1 cup butter softened (salted) (225 grams)
• ½ cup icing / powdered sugar (60 grams)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ cup corn starch (68 grams)
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 cups all purpose flour (260 grams)
• Lime peel zest from one lime
• ½ tablespoon orange blossom water
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is orange blossom water known as and where is it seen?

Orange blossom water is also referred to as neroli or orange flower water. Neroli is reportedly one of the ingredients in the secret coca-cola soft drink. This water is used in traditional Mediterranean deserts and in Moroccan coffee. The first time I tried orange blossom water was when a kind Tunisian woman gave us some for my baby boy's upset stomach, as in North African counties it's considered a natural medicine.

Where can I buy orange blossom water?

Cortas Orange Flower Water is distilled from bitter orange blossoms. You can flavor drinks and desserts, dress salads, sprinkle it on fruit, flavor batters, and more. If you don't get results that you like, or don't have time to make your own, you can buy orange flower water online. You can also look for it in pharmacies and halal or Middle Eastern markets. Be sure that it's 100 percent pure and not artificially flavored.