Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 1/4 cups (150g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60g) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

15-20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Easy (1/5)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
9. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes.
10. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 120 per cookie
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g

Dish Characteristics:

• Buttery, shortbread texture
• Mild lemon flavor
• Crisp exterior, tender interior

User Comments:

• "These cookies are delicious! The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness."
• "I love how the lemon flavor is subtle and not overpowering."
• "The cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion."
• "They're the perfect combination of buttery and crumbly."
• "I highly recommend these cookies to anyone who loves lemon and shortbread."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have a cookie cutter, you can use a knife to cut the dough into squares or triangles.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the dough.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
• Do not overmix the dough, as this will make the cookies tough.
• Let the cookies cool completely before storing in an airtight container.