Description
These lemon lime basil Italian shortbread cookies are delicate, buttery, and zesty, finished with a fresh basil leaf for an elegant twist. A bright cookie perfect for spring.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lime
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh basil leaves, small (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice, lime juice, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls. Place on baking sheet and flatten gently with a fork.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are just golden. Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes.
7. Transfer to rack to cool completely. Once cool, press a small fresh basil leaf on each cookie before serving.
Notes
Chill the dough for 30 minutes for neater edges.
Use fresh basil for best flavor and appearance.
Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: lemon lime basil Italian shortbread cookies, citrus herb cookies, spring cookies