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
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Salted Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 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.
Chef's Notes:
Nutrition:
Terri/LoveandConfections
This recipe sounds so good. I like most shortbread, but add salted chocolate drizzle and that sounds like its right up my alley.
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t resist the chocolate. ;)
leslie
Love these Liz!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Leslie! xo
Cassie
These are totally fabulous, Liz. I adore shortbread!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks Cassie!! They were so freaking good. Hope you’re doing well!
Allison | Lighten Up!
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!
Liz DellaCroce
You are so sweet – thank you so much! No I have not made these with coconut oil. If you try please let me know!
ashley - baker by nature
I am so in love with this recipe, Liz! And that salted chocolate drizzle… come to mama!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks lady!!! I couldn’t resist!
Meg
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!
Liz DellaCroce
YES! I am all about easy. ;)
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
This sounds absolutely delicious! Especially with the sea salt and drizzle of chocolate. Yum!
Liz DellaCroce
Heck yes! Sea salt for the win!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm
Ohhhhhh yes please I LOVE shortbread and you added LEMON! Love it! Pinning for later!
Liz DellaCroce
I had to add the lemon!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Wow, wow, WOW! These are gorgeous!!
And of course, love that lemon! :)
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Ali!! Wish I could share with you! And trade for sangria.
julia
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! :)
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t help myself!
Kristen
What a sweet little treat
Liz DellaCroce
These were so freaking good. Why is butter so good?
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg
Dense, buttery shortbread is fabulous as it is. The addition of lemon makes it out of this world fabulous.
Liz DellaCroce
Dense and buttery = exactly!
Olena@iFOODreal
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.
Liz DellaCroce
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.
Audra | The Baker Chick
I love when Lemon Bowl gets all desserty- these sound amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Aren’t you proud of me?!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
I love shortbread! Especially drizzled with chocolate!
What a fabulous surprise for Stephanie!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Anna! So honored to participate!
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out
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!
Liz DellaCroce
haha exactly!!!! Thanks for having me and thanks for hosting!!
Alaina {Fabtastic Eats}
Shortbread is one of my favoriiites! Love this combo of flavors!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks doll face!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Totally worth busting out the butter! I love shortbread and chocolate is a MUST.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you agree with me on that!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I love when you post dessert:-) Lemon and shortbread are always a win… but that chocolate salted drizzle has me completely.
Liz DellaCroce
Aren’t you proud of me?!?! ;-)
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
You’ve just combined two of my favorite things – lemon and chocolate. Oh, and butter too. Yum!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
That’s my mom’s favorite too!!
Marlene
What are the measurements of your large baking sheet, Liz? 10 x 15 or 11 x 17? Assume you mean the type of pan you use for cake rolls, with sides? Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
11 x 17 and yes the one with sides for cake rolls! :)
Marlene
Thanks, Liz! Appreciate the fast reply.
Liz DellaCroce
My pleasure!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
I am drooling over here Liz! These shortbread cookies looks SOOOO yummy! I love seeing all these posts around the web for Stephanie’s baby-I just recently started following her blog and love it! I of course looooove that you’ve added lemon, what a creative idea, can’t wait to try making these little beauties!
Liz DellaCroce
Isn’t it amazing? Stephanie is so incredibly talented and super sweet in person!!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
I agree — shortbread is pure magic. There’s nothing like a really good shortbread cookie, all buttery and dense. Adding lemon and chocolate really takes the cake for me! Happy shower to day to Stephanie — I <3 her!
Liz DellaCroce
Why is it so freaking delicious?!?!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
These look amazing, I had to stop by when I saw them on google! I always love the combination of lemon and chocolate. Pinning these for later!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh thank you so much!!!
Cindy
Buttery shortbread is always a win! My husband absolutely loves citrus and chocolate together, these look like the perfect treat.
Liz DellaCroce
My mom is obsessed with lemon and chocolate – I couldn’t resist!
Joanne
Special occasions call for ALL THE BUTTER. And this is definitely a special occasion! Love this buttery shortbread bars with the fresh lemony twist!!
Liz DellaCroce
EXACTLY!! ALL OF THE BUTTER!
Katrina @ WVS
Holy deliciousness!! Love this recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you friend!
Gaby
This is completely amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks Gaby!! Can we swap for some guac?
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
Aww, yay! How fun for Steph!! These lemon shortbread bars are gorgeous, Liz. Perfect for showering the mama-to-be… and baking for my own baby belly to enjoy! Hehe. Can’t wait to try them!
Liz DellaCroce
Please make these and eat them!!! Have 10 for me!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
Why oh why is this shower not happening in real life so I can a) devour the entire batch of these shortbread cookies (OK OK, I’ll share… like two of them) and b) give you a big ol’ bear hug? Thank you SO much for this sweet surprise, friend!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my goodness I wish it was a real party!!!! So happy for you my friend! I hope you had a great shower!!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
What a great flavor combo for shortbread!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Jessica!!
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon
Lemon AND salted chocolate drizzle? Whoa, I need these! And, I love,love,love the color of your KitchenAid Mixer :) xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
I just couldn’t help myself!! :)
Julia
I’m totally going to hover around your shortbread and take sneaky bites while no one’s looking ;) LOVE the chocolate drizzle. So happy to be joining you and the other girls for Steph’s baby shower today! xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
hahah I wish this was a real party so I could watch you do that!!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Love that you used some buttah!!! I’ll take a dozen of these shortbreads, please?
Liz DellaCroce
Aren’t you proud of me?? 4 sticks!!
Claire Gallam
This shortbread looks MOUTH watering!!
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t stop eating them!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
I wish I had a few of these bars to snack on today! And a big congrats to Stephanie! She is so sweet, love her!
Liz DellaCroce
I wish I could give you some!
Jenny Flake
Noooothing better than shortbread cookies! Loving this flavor combo!!
Liz DellaCroce
Why is butter so delicious??!?! xo