Lemon juice adds bright, fresh flavor to these decadent buttery lemon shortbread cookies. The salted chocolate drizzle takes each bite to the next level.
There is something so pure and magical about shortbread cookies. Buttery, dense, slightly nutty and just the right amount of salt – they are perfect for dipping into coffee. They also happen to be my mother’s favorite cookie which is why I loved making these recently.
Don’t worry, this recipe is 100% fool-proof. Let’s be real, if I’m baking you can be sure it’s an easy recipe. Traditional shortbread is always a hit but I couldn’t resist adding a bit of bright flavor from fresh lemon zest. And since I don’t believe in desserts made without chocolate, I had to add a little chocolate and sea salt drizzle on top. You can thank me later.
No forks required this time.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle
Ingredients
Lemon Shortbread
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups all purpose flour
Salted Chocolate Drizzle
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- kosher salt (for sprinkling (optional))
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a large baking sheet; set aside.
- Using a stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until smooth.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add in the flour 1/2 cup at a time until mixture starts to form a ball.
- Remove dough from the mixer and gently press into prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers to gently spread the dough throughout most of the pan leaving it about 1 inch thick.
- Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.
- While shortbread is cooling, place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and heat until melted, 2-3 minutes, stirring every 45 seconds.
- Once shortbread is completely cooled, slice into strips using a sharp knife or a pizza wheel.
- Place shortbread on a large piece of parchment paper and slowly drizzle the melted chocolate on top using a large spoon. Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.
- Let cool 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
Can these be frozen prior to the chocolate drizzle? I would like to make for a party two weeks out. I’ve google that other shortbread recipes say yea, just concerned with the zest element. Thanks!
You could freeze these as well!
This recipe sounds so good. I like most shortbread, but add salted chocolate drizzle and that sounds like its right up my alley.
I couldn’t resist the chocolate. ;)
Love these Liz!!!
Thank you Leslie! xo
These are totally fabulous, Liz. I adore shortbread!!
Thanks Cassie!! They were so freaking good. Hope you’re doing well!
Hi Liz! Your blog is one of my favorites for new recipe ideas! These looks SO deliciously decadent. I’m wondering if you’ve ever tried to make them with half butter and half coconut oil? I just started baking with coconut oil but haven’t tried shortbread cookies yet. Just a thought!
You are so sweet – thank you so much! No I have not made these with coconut oil. If you try please let me know!
I am so in love with this recipe, Liz! And that salted chocolate drizzle… come to mama!
Thanks lady!!! I couldn’t resist!
My mouth is watering — these look so fantastic! You really can’t go wrong with that pinch of salty on something sweet. Love the idea of just being able to bake these on a big sheet and cut them out later, too . . . awesome. Definitely going to make these! Thanks for the inspiration!
YES! I am all about easy. ;)
This sounds absolutely delicious! Especially with the sea salt and drizzle of chocolate. Yum!
Heck yes! Sea salt for the win!
Ohhhhhh yes please I LOVE shortbread and you added LEMON! Love it! Pinning for later!
I had to add the lemon!
Wow, wow, WOW! These are gorgeous!!
And of course, love that lemon! :)
Thank you Ali!! Wish I could share with you! And trade for sangria.
Lemon is the way to my heart–I just love that you did a shortbread and then you added a salted chocolate drizzle! So yummy! :)
I couldn’t help myself!
What a sweet little treat
These were so freaking good. Why is butter so good?
Dense, buttery shortbread is fabulous as it is. The addition of lemon makes it out of this world fabulous.
Dense and buttery = exactly!
Lemon shortbread so up with the blog’s name.:) Looks incredible, Liz! Super mom – bakes shortbread, works out and runs after 2 kids. Any secret? I can barely keep up with my life doing Insanity.
You’re so sweet- thank you! I don’t run but I do workout almost every day. I’m admittedly addicted. It gives me tons of energy which I need with the late night feedings and early mornings with the toddler. Do what you love. For me, it’s workout classes like kickboxing and spin and zumba. If you love it, you’ll keep doing it.
I love when Lemon Bowl gets all desserty- these sound amazing!
Aren’t you proud of me?!
I love shortbread! Especially drizzled with chocolate!
What a fabulous surprise for Stephanie!
Thank you so much Anna! So honored to participate!
Any recipe that uses 1 lb of butter makes my world a little bit brighter. Thank you so much for joining us and making this shower even more amazing!
haha exactly!!!! Thanks for having me and thanks for hosting!!
Shortbread is one of my favoriiites! Love this combo of flavors!
Thanks doll face!