These simple Lemon Basil Shortbread cookies feature tart lemons and kick of peppery basil for a fabulous combination.
I started with my basic shortbread recipe that I have made for years. It is great plain with just flour, butter and sugar. But it is also nice to toss in some extra ingredients once in awhile (chai spice anyone?)
You can combine any citrus and fresh herb to make these. I have made Lemon Rosemary Shortbread before and lemon and lavender are another of my favorite flavor combinations. Or you could go with lime or orange or even grapefruit. Toss in your favorite herb (rosemary, thyme, lavender, etc.) and you have a simple and delicious (or is it simply delicious?) cookie.
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Simple crispy shortbread with a hint of citrus and kick of peppery basil. Can be made with any citrus and fresh herb combo.
- 1 lemon or preferred citrus
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil or preferred herb
- 1 pound butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Using a fine grater or other zesting tool, zest the lemon. Finally chop the basil leaves.
- Cube butter into roughly 1/2 inch cubes. Put in a large bowl with flour, sugar and half of the lemon zest and basil.
- Gently combine with your fingers to make a soft dough. Roll into 2 tubes about 2-3" wide and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Slice cookies 1/4" thick and place an inch apart on cookie sheets.
- Turn down oven to 275 degrees and bake until cookies turn a slightly rosy color (just as they begin to brown). Allow to cool completely
- Juice the lemon into a small bowl or cup. In a small bowl add powdered sugar and remaining zest and basil. Thin to desired consistency with lemon juice.
- Spoon glaze over each cookie, allow to harden.
You can make these with any combination of citrus fruit (limes, oranges, tangerines) and fresh herbs (rosemary, lavender, thyme).
Oooh I love shortbread. What a wonderful idea, can’t wait to give these a try!
My mom loved them! I snuck 2 and they were fabulous.
I love this idea of using shortbread cookies! The glaze looks delicious!
The simple sweetened lemon glaze is my favorite part of these.
Great idea making cookies and shortbread is a perfect base for just about any flavor.
I agree! I love them plain most of all, but when I want to experiment they lend themselves well to a wide variety of ingredients.
Thanks Audrey they look great. I would never have thought to put basil in. I just started growing some so I am loving all things basil. Nice pics too.
I usually do rosemary since I have two hard to control bushes in the yard, but the basil gave it a more peppery kick instead of a bit more floral in the rosemary. Both awesome.
What the what???? I’m going to try these. I love basil! Thanks for linking up at the Momma Told Me Link Party!
~jen
I had to buy basil for this since the freak snowstorm killed my basil plant. Usually we can grow it year round here.
These are such great and super-unique cookies!!
I happen to looooooove basil, so I really must try this recipe
Pinning
Thanks so much, Winnie! It means so much coming from you.
What an unexpected ingredient in a cookie. I’ve never tried putting herbs in a cookie, but it would be nice to try 🙂
Hi Audrey,
I just wrote a little post on herbs and I linked to your Lemon & Basil shortbread for others to enjoy. Here is the post http://60-thenew40.com/growing-herbs-and-cooking-with-herbs/
Thanks
Wow! Thanks, Kathleen! Obviously I use and cook with them a lot.
What a unique twist on the shortbread cookie! I bet it’s delicious. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope you join us again next week 🙂
I never would have put those ingredients together… but it actually sounds wonderful! Good job. 🙂
Sounds like an interesting, but refreshing combination of ingredients! I love basil and shortbread so it’s something I’d like to try. I’ll have to save this recipe for later!
I love fresh herbs, so why not on a cookie? Looks great 🙂
Very unique! I love this!
Super yummy recipe! This looks so amazing. Pinned and tweeted. We love to party with you, so I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm.. Have an amazing day! Lou Lou Girls
Audrey these look so good! I love lemon and basil so I am definitely going to try these! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Talented Tuesdays. I hope you can join us again this week.
I love basil and lemon scented anything, never thought to use it in a cookie. Nice touch. Stopping by on Wine’d Down Wednesday
Oh yum. I cannot cook (or bake) and most times it ends in a disaster but I keep on trying. I think I could do this one.
This sounds absolutely delicious to me!!