Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Recipe: Sophisticated Cookies Made Easy

Craving a cookie that’s equal parts elegant and delicious? These Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies elevate the classic shortbread with a zesty lemon kick and a whisper of fresh rosemary’s earthy charm.

Buttery, bright, and subtly savory, they’re the perfect blend of familiar comfort and unexpected sophistication—ideal for wowing guests or treating yourself to something special. Get ready to add a new favorite to your baking lineup.

The Perfect Pairing: Lemon & Rosemary

Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Recipe: Sophisticated Cookies Made Easy - Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies pin
Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt

Lemon and rosemary are a match made in culinary heaven. The bright, citrusy notes of lemon perfectly complement the woodsy, slightly peppery flavor of fresh rosemary.

When combined in a buttery shortbread cookie, these two ingredients create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing.

The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors is to use fresh ingredients. For the best results, opt for freshly grated lemon zest and finely chopped fresh rosemary. These aromatic ingredients will infuse your cookies with a vibrant, authentic flavor that can’t be replicated with dried herbs or bottled lemon juice.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread

Achieving the perfect shortbread texture can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be baking flawless cookies in no time. Start with high-quality, unsalted butter that’s been softened to room temperature. This will ensure that your cookies have a rich, buttery flavor and a tender, crumbly texture.

Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense cookies. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined, and no dry spots remain.

Finally, be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before slicing and baking the cookies. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensure that they maintain their crisp, delicate texture.

A Cookie for Every Occasion

Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Recipe: Sophisticated Cookies Made Easy - Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies ingredients
Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt

These Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve them at a summer garden party for a refreshing, sophisticated dessert, or package them up in a pretty box for a thoughtful hostess gift.

These cookies also make a lovely addition to a holiday cookie platter, offering a welcome respite from the usual sugary suspects. With their delicate flavor and elegant appearance, these cookies are sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.

Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Recipe: Sophisticated Cookies Made Easy - Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are delightful treats that combine buttery shortbread, zesty lemon, and fragrant rosemary to create a symphony of tastes that will excite your taste buds. The delicate, crumbly texture of the shortbread is enhanced by the creamy, tangy filling made with lemon curd.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 2 dozen
Calories 144 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp fresh rosemary minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup lemon curd
  • Optional: Additional fresh rosemary and confectioners' sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and confectioners' sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped rosemary, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, beating until well combined.
  • Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the dough is firm enough to roll.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disk of dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch (6 mm).
  • Using a floured 2-inch (5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out the cookies. Using a floured 7/8-inch (2.2 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out the centers of half of the cookies to create a window effect.
  • Place the solid and window cookies on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie. Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until they are set.
  • Remove the cookies from the baking sheets and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
  • To assemble the cookies, spread a generous amount of lemon curd on the bottoms of the solid cookies, then place the window cookies on top. If desired, garnish the cookies with additional fresh rosemary and a dusting of confectioners' sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 91mgSugar: 8g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.