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freshly baked lemon thyme shortbread cookies

Thyme Lemon Shortbread Cookies

These buttery lemon thyme shortbread cookies are soft, crumbly, and full of bright citrus flavor with a hint of fresh herbs. Perfect for tea time, dessert boards, or a cozy afternoon treat. Simple ingredients, no fuss—just pure flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 30 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack, Tea-Time Treat
Cuisine: modern, North American, with herbal twist
Calories: 130

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: Extra lemon zest or thyme for garnish

Method
 

Step 1 – Cream Butter and Sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Step 2 – Add Flavor
  1. Mix in the lemon zest, chopped thyme, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until fully combined and fragrant.
Step 3 – Add Flour
  1. Gradually stir in the flour. Mix until the dough just comes together. It might look dry at first, but it will form a soft dough. Use your hands to press it into a ball if needed.
Step 4 – Chill the Dough
  1. Shape the dough into a log or press it into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30–45 minutes in the fridge.
Step 5 – Slice or Cut Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the log into 1/4-inch rounds or roll and cut out shapes using a cookie cutter.
Step 6 – Bake
  1. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. They should stay pale on top.
Step 7 – Cool and Store
  1. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Notes

  • If using dried thyme, use only 1 teaspoon—it’s stronger than fresh.
  • The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just slice and bake when needed.
  • You can add a simple glaze of lemon juice and powdered sugar on top if you want a sweeter finish.
  • These pair amazingly with tea and taste even better the next day.