Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s both buttery and bursting with fresh, tangy flavor, Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread is the perfect addition to your festive baking. These adorable shortbread cookies are shaped like Christmas trees, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and are topped with a sweet, zesty lemon glaze that gives them a refreshing twist. Whether you’re looking to add a special touch to your holiday cookie plate or need a fun treat to share with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress.

What makes these cookies so special is the balance of rich, buttery shortbread with the bright, citrusy lemon glaze. The cookies are simple yet elegant, and their sweet lemony finish adds a refreshing kick that pairs perfectly with the buttery texture. These are the kind of cookies that are both festive and comforting, making them the perfect treat for Christmas or any winter gathering.

I first made Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread when I was looking for a holiday cookie that wasn’t too sweet but still had a bright, fresh flavor. The lemon glaze brought just the right amount of zing to the buttery cookies, and they quickly became a holiday favorite. I’m sure they’ll become a tradition in your home too!

Why These Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread Will Be Your New Favorite

• Buttery and melt-in-your-mouth: The shortbread is soft, buttery, and has the perfect crumbly texture.
• Refreshing lemon glaze: The sweet and tangy lemon glaze adds a burst of citrus flavor that complements the buttery cookies.
• Festive shape: The cookies are cut into Christmas tree shapes, making them the perfect holiday treat for your festive celebrations.
• Simple to make: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, these cookies come together easily and quickly.
• Perfect for gifting: These beautifully glazed cookies are a wonderful option for holiday gifts, as they look elegant and taste delicious.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1-2 teaspoons water (to adjust consistency)

For Decoration:

• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for decoration)

How to Make Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
3. Roll and cut the dough:
   Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake the cookies:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the lemon glaze:
   While the cookies are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and water until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
6. Glaze the cookies:
   Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie. If you prefer, you can dip the cookies into the glaze for a thicker coating. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
7. Decorate (optional):
   For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the glazed cookies with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter while the glaze is still wet.
8. Serve and enjoy:
   Once the glaze has set, your Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread is ready to enjoy! These cookies make the perfect addition to your holiday cookie plate.

Tips

• Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it out.
• Make ahead: The shortbread dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just roll it out and bake when you’re ready.
• Glaze consistency: Adjust the thickness of the glaze to your preference. A thicker glaze will create a more opaque finish, while a thinner glaze will give a more transparent look.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add flavor variations: If you’d like to experiment, try adding a bit of orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.
• Different shapes: You can make these cookies in any shape you like, or even use a round cookie cutter for simple shortbread circles.
• Decorate with frosting: Instead of the lemon glaze, you can decorate these cookies with buttercream or royal icing for a more colorful decoration.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-sugar version: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit for both the dough and glaze to make a lower-sugar version of this recipe.
• Whole wheat flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, more fiber-rich version.

Closing

And there you have it! Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread are the perfect blend of buttery, citrusy goodness, with a fun and festive shape that’s sure to delight. These cookies are a wonderful treat for any holiday gathering or simply as a special indulgence during the Christmas season. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and be sure to check out more of our easy and delicious holiday treats for more baking inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. You can also bake the cookies and glaze them ahead of time—just store them in an airtight container.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes! These cookies freeze well. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. You can freeze the dough as well for up to 1 month before baking.
3. Can I use a different type of glaze?
   Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use royal icing, white chocolate ganache, or even a simple sugar glaze instead of the lemon glaze.
4. Can I make these cookies without lemon?
   Yes, you can omit the lemon and make these cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or chocolate drizzle for a different flavor.
5. What can I use instead of a cookie cutter?
   If you don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter, you can use any shape you like or even cut the cookies by hand using a sharp knife.
6. Can I add food coloring to the glaze?
   Yes! You can add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze to make it more colorful and festive for the holidays.
7. How should I store leftover cookies?
   Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge.
8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour in this recipe.
9. How do I make the cookies extra crispy?
   To make the cookies more crispy, roll the dough thinner before cutting out the shapes, and bake them a little longer until they’re golden brown.
10. Can I decorate these cookies with sprinkles before baking?
    Yes! If you prefer, you can sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on the dough before baking to add extra color and texture.