The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about baking during quiet afternoons here in Crete. The sunlight pours through my kitchen window, and the whole house fills with the warm smell of butter and citrus. Whenever I make Lemon Snowflake Shortbread, it instantly takes me back to the days when I’d sit beside my grandmother as she baked traditional Greek cookies. She never rushed she believed good things take time, and shortbread was one of those “slow moments” she taught me to love.
Now at 38, I still feel that same joy every time I make these cookies. Lemon Snowflake Shortbread has become one of my favorite treats because it’s simple, bright, and full of that comforting melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. It reminds me that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated it just needs heart. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy with flour floating everywhere like tiny snowflakes, but honestly? That’s part of the fun.
I like to give classic recipes a creative twist, and adding lemon to shortbread does exactly that. The buttery base stays wonderfully soft, while the lemon zest and juice add a refreshing kick. It’s the kind of cookie you want to enjoy warm from the oven with a cup of tea or pack into a gift tin for friends.
Every recipe I share holds a piece of my story, and I’m excited to invite you into my kitchen again. Whether you’re an experienced baker or still finding your confidence, this Lemon Snowflake Shortbread recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy, it’s elegant, and it’s bursting with bright lemon flavor. And just like my grandmother believed good food is meant to be shared, celebrated, and passed on with love.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Snowflake Shortbread
• Soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
• Bright lemon flavor without being overpowering
• Only a few simple ingredients needed
• Perfect for holidays, gifts, or everyday sweet cravings
• Beautiful “snowflake” powdered sugar look that makes them festive
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shortbread Dough:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Snowflake Finishing:
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (about ½ cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. This is the key to achieving that perfectly tender and crumbly shortbread texture.
2. Add the Lemon Flavor
Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The zest gives you the fragrant citrus oils, while the juice brightens the overall flavor.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add flour and salt into the bowl. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together. It may seem crumbly at first keep mixing until it forms a soft dough.
4. Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
5. Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use snowflake cookie cutters or any shape you love and place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 13–16 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Don’t overbake shortbread should remain pale.
7. Snowflake Dusting
Let the cookies cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar. The sugar creates that “snowflake” look, making them delicate, pretty, and festive.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy them warm with tea or coffee
- Pack into decorative tins for holiday gifts
- Serve alongside fruit, berries, or a lemon glaze
- Pair with ice cream for a simple dessert
- Add them to a cookie tray with other light-colored cookies for a winter theme
Tips for Perfect Lemon Snowflake Shortbread
- Use room temperature butter too cold or melted will change the texture
- Don’t skip chilling the dough
- Roll the dough evenly for consistent baking
- Add more lemon zest if you want a stronger flavor
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week
- Freeze the dough for up to 2 months
Recipe Card 🍋❄️
⏱️ Time
• Prep: 15 minutes
• Chill: 30 minutes
• Bake: 15 minutes
• Total: 1 hour
🧾 Ingredients
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Flour
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla
• Salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cream butter + sugar
- Add lemon + vanilla
- Add flour + salt
- Chill
- Roll + cut shapes
- Bake at 325°F for 13–16 min
- Dust with powdered sugar
📝 Notes
• Don’t overbake cookies should stay pale
• Extra zest = stronger lemon flavor
• Store airtight for freshness
📊 Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
• Calories: 120
• Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 13g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 1g
Conclusion
This Lemon Snowflake Shortbread recipe brings together everything I love about baking: simplicity, tradition, and a touch of creativity. It’s the kind of cookie that makes your home feel cozy, warm, and filled with love. The lemon adds brightness, the butter makes it melt in your mouth, and the powdered sugar gives it that magical “snowflake” finish.
I hope this recipe brings you joy, just like it brings joy to my family here on the island of Crete. Cooking is about making memories and I’m so grateful to share mine with you. Let’s keep baking, sharing, and creating delicious moments together. 💛✨🍋
