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woman holding triangle shaped shortbread cookie about to dip into terracotta mug of steaming hot tea in dark room

Citrus + Herbal Shortbread Cookie Ccecipe

4.92 from 12 votes
You must try the classic shortbread baked with herbs and orange zest this holiday season. The earthy taste of the herbs and sweet citrus notes perfectly complement the sweet, slightly salty, and savory flavors. The buttery, crumbly texture melts in your mouth and is absolutely irresistible. These cookies are sure to become your favorite treat of the year!
Print Recipe
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Additional Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227 grams) butter softened unsalted
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (68 grams) corn starch
  • 1 pinch salt
  • orange peel zest
  • cup (30 grams) fresh or dried herb of choice rosemary, sage and thyme
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F or 176 C
  • Start by making an infused herb sugar, where all of your flavor will come from. Do this by mixing up your powdered and granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest and herbs. Use a mortar and pestle or food processor to do this. If you don't have either, finely chop the herbs and mix in with the sugar.
  • Cream your butter with your infused sugar until fluffy and well incorporated.
  • Sift in the flour and corn starch and gradually mix. Work it with your hands until the dough becomes a ball.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough out about 1 inch thick.
  • Cover in a chill for 30 - 45 minutes.
  • Cut into desired shapes.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden. Let cookies cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to chill.

Notes

These cookies are even better after they sit for a few days. That really makes the flavor more pronounced. Store in an air-tight container for up to three weeks. They freeze very well.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 283mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g
Course: Botanical Shortbread
Cuisine: Cookies
Keyword: christmas, citrus shortbread, cookies, herbal shortbread, rosemary shortbread, shortbread
Servings: 12 large cookies or 24 small cookies
Calories: 237kcal
Author: sarah