There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holidays with a batch of homemade Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies combine the richness of classic shortbread with a vibrant lemon glaze that adds a bright, tangy finish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing festive gifts, or simply craving something seasonal, this recipe is both easy and impressive. Shaped like charming Christmas trees and decorated with golden lemon glaze, they’re a stunning and delicious centerpiece for any dessert table.
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Why You’ll Love These Zesty Holiday Cookies
This Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread recipe checks all the boxes for the perfect holiday treat. It’s quick to make, visually festive, and packed with citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter. The shortbread dough is simple and reliable — no eggs, no leaveners — just pure buttery goodness. And the glaze? A fresh lemon burst that adds sparkle, both in flavor and appearance. These cookies are also ideal for making ahead, decorating with kids, or packaging as edible holiday gifts.
What You’ll Need for the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines classic shortbread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the buttery base with a warm, aromatic undertone.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookie, giving it body and form.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
The Lemon Glaze Ingredients Explained
• Powdered Sugar: The base for a smooth, glossy glaze.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings the signature zing that makes the glaze pop with flavor.
• Yellow Food Coloring: Optional, but gives the cookies a sunny, festive glow.
• Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Useful for precise decorating and festive finishes.
Smart Substitutions to Keep Baking Easy
If you’re out of an ingredient or catering to dietary needs, here are a few useful swaps:
• Salted Butter: If that’s what you have on hand, just omit the added salt.
• Lemon Extract: Use in place of fresh lemon juice if you’re short on citrus — start with ½ teaspoon.
• Gluten-Free Flour: A 1:1 baking blend can be used for a gluten-free version of this lemon shortbread recipe.
• Natural Colorants: Use turmeric or saffron for natural yellow coloring instead of food dye.
How to Make Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture and helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, stirring until the dough comes together in a smooth, soft mass.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to shape your festive cookies.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the trees on your prepared sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges — don’t overbake. Let them cool completely on a rack.
- Mix the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the texture as needed — thicker for piping, thinner for brushing.
- Add Color and Decorate: Stir in yellow food coloring for a cheerful hue. Spread a thin layer over each cookie or drizzle using a piping bag for a decorative finish. Let the glaze fully set before serving or storing.
Pro Tips for Shortbread Cookie Success
To get the most from your Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Chill if Needed: If your dough gets too soft while rolling, chill it for 10–15 minutes. It makes cutting cleaner and prevents spreading.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Always cool the cookies before glazing — warm cookies will melt the glaze and ruin the look.
- Storage Matters: Keep your finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies and decorate after thawing.
- Texture Check: Look for light golden edges as a signal that they’re done. The centers will firm up as they cool.
Pairing Ideas and Flavor Variations
These citrusy Christmas tree cookies shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with:
- Hot Beverages: Serve with peppermint tea, mulled cider, or spiced hot cocoa for a cozy holiday moment.
- Dessert Platters: Combine with chocolate-dipped cookies, cranberry bars, or nut brittle for a festive cookie tray.
- Toppings: Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries or edible glitter on the glaze for extra sparkle.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for even more citrus flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend — the butter-rich base keeps it tender.
Why Lemon Glazed Shortbread Is the Ultimate Holiday Treat
These cookies are more than just pretty shapes. The Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread delivers a perfect blend of rich and zesty — the classic buttery base meets the refreshing brightness of lemon in every bite. Their festive shape, easy decoration, and vibrant glaze make them ideal for gifting or displaying at your holiday table. Plus, the balance of sweet and citrus satisfies both kids and adults alike, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re baking with the family, prepping for a cookie swap, or looking to add a new tradition to your December calendar, this lemon shortbread cookie recipe is the cheerful, citrus-spiked twist your holiday season needs.
Conclusion
Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread brings together festive charm, buttery richness, and a citrusy glaze that brightens every bite. Whether you’re creating a cookie box for loved ones or dressing up your holiday table, these shortbread cookies deliver on taste, texture, and presentation. Their simple dough, tangy lemon topping, and iconic tree shape make them a go-to seasonal favorite. With easy steps, common pantry ingredients, and room for creative decoration, this recipe is a must-try for home bakers who want a zesty twist on tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread?
Store your Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing for best texture and appearance.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The shortbread dough can be made up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before rolling and cutting, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes to soften slightly. This makes it easier to work with while preserving the cookie’s structure.
What if I don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter?
You can use any holiday-themed cookie cutter you have on hand — stars, snowflakes, or bells all work well. If you’re in a pinch, a round cutter or even the rim of a glass will still give you beautiful cookies that pair well with the lemon glaze. The shape can vary, but the lemon glazed shortbread flavor stays irresistible.
More Relevant Recipes
- Meyer Lemon Crinkle Cookies: These soft, citrusy cookies offer a delicate lemon flavor with a crinkled powdered sugar coating. Perfectly festive and light, they echo the same zesty notes as the Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread, making them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray.
- Cranberry Lime Snowball Cookies: With a tangy citrus-lime glaze and bursts of cranberry, these buttery snowball cookies complement the lemony brightness of shortbread. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and seasonal flair make them a great alternative for holiday baking.
- Meyer Lemon Meltaways: These tender, buttery cookies dissolve on your tongue and feature a subtle Meyer lemon flavor. Their simplicity, combined with citrus glaze, makes them a close cousin to the Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread and a must-try for lemon lovers.
Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread is a festive holiday cookie made with buttery shortbread dough and topped with a bright, tangy lemon glaze. These cookies are shaped like Christmas trees and decorated for a delightful seasonal treat perfect for parties, gifting, or cookie swaps.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich, creamy texture and flavor
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender crumb
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the shortbread
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze for sweetness and smooth texture
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds zesty, bright flavor to the glaze
- 2–3 drops yellow food coloring (optional): Creates a festive golden hue
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until the dough comes together into a soft ball.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until a thick but pourable glaze forms. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Add yellow food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Spread a thin layer of glaze over each cooled cookie or drizzle using a piping bag.
- Allow glaze to fully set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chill the dough if it’s too soft to roll easily.
- Only glaze cooled cookies to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze unglazed cookies and decorate after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg