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.

Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread – Easy Holiday Recipe

Name: Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
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

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

Scale

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

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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