Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread Recipe

Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread is a delightful twist on the traditional shortbread recipe, adding a zesty lemon flavor to the classic buttery base. This simple yet elegant treat is perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert. The addition of lemon zest creates a refreshing citrus note that balances beautifully with the rich, crumbly texture of the shortbread.

Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread is a buttery, crumbly shortbread infused with the fresh flavor of lemon zest. It’s made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and lemon, creating a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s light, tangy, and satisfying. The shortbread is baked until golden and then often dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Simple and Classic: Easy to make with pantry ingredients.
• Zesty Lemon Flavor: The addition of lemon zest brightens up the traditional shortbread.
• Buttery and Crumbly: The rich, buttery texture pairs perfectly with the citrus flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for tea time, dessert, or gifting.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only a few basic ingredients are needed to create this delicious shortbread.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

To make one batch (about 12-16 pieces) of lemon shortbread, gather the following ingredients:

• 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates a crumbly texture.
• 100g (½ cup) caster sugar: Sweetens the shortbread without overpowering the lemon flavor.
• 225g (1 ¾ cups) plain flour: Forms the base of the shortbread.
• 50g (½ cup) cornflour: Helps create a light, tender texture.
• Zest of 2 lemons: Provides a fresh, zesty lemon flavor.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a light sweetness on top after baking (optional).

Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread:

• Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or electric mixer: For mixing the dough.
• Baking tray: To bake the shortbread.
• Rolling pin (optional): To roll out the dough if making shaped biscuits.
• Sharp knife: For cutting the shortbread into pieces.
• Cooling rack: To cool the shortbread once baked.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

• Sift the plain flour and cornflour into the butter mixture.
• Add the lemon zest and mix everything together until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1 cm (⅓ inch) thick.
• Cut the dough into rectangular or circular shapes, or simply press it into a shortbread tin for a traditional look.

Step 5: Bake the Shortbread

• Place the shaped shortbread onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each piece.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden but still pale in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Dust with Sugar

• Remove the shortbread from the oven and let it cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a light sweetness on top.

What Goes Well with Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread?

Here are a few perfect pairings for Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread:

• Tea: A hot cup of tea, particularly Earl Grey or chamomile, pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.
• Coffee: A strong cup of coffee complements the buttery richness of the shortbread.
• Lemon Curd: Serve with a dollop of lemon curd for an extra zesty kick.
• Whipped Cream: A light touch of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the crisp shortbread.
• Fruit Compote: A spoonful of berry or citrus compote brings a sweet-tart contrast.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a refreshing dessert.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

For perfect Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread, follow these tips:

• Use Softened Butter: Soft butter is essential for creaming with sugar to create the right texture.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just until it comes together to keep the shortbread tender.
• Chill the Dough: For easier handling and better shape, chill the dough in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking.
• Score the Dough Before Baking: If you’re making traditional shortbread in a tin, lightly score the dough with a knife before baking to make it easier to cut later.
• Bake Until Lightly Golden: The shortbread should be pale in color with a slight golden edge to keep its tender texture.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

Looking to mix things up? Try these variations:

• Lemon and Orange Shortbread: Add the zest of an orange along with the lemon for a citrusy twist.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread: Mix in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a bit of crunch and added texture.
• Lemon Rosemary Shortbread: Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary to the dough for a herby flavor.
• Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread: Once cooled, dip half of each shortbread piece in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Gluten-Free Shortbread: Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

To keep your lemon shortbread fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the baked shortbread in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want to warm it slightly:

• Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh the crispness.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may soften the shortbread too much.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread Healthier?

For a healthier version of this shortbread, try these simple swaps:

• Reduce Sugar: Cut down on the sugar by reducing it by 25%, or use a sugar substitute like Stevia.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Add Seeds: Mix in chia or flaxseeds for extra nutrients.
• Light Butter: Use a light butter substitute to lower the fat content.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

FAQs

Why is my lemon shortbread dough too crumbly?

If your lemon shortbread dough is too crumbly, it may be because the butter wasn’t soft enough or there wasn’t enough moisture to bind the ingredients. Ensure the butter is properly softened and, if needed, add a teaspoon of cold water to help the dough come together without overworking it.

How do I make my lemon shortbread crisp?

To achieve crisp lemon shortbread, bake it at the right temperature (around 160°C/320°F) and make sure the shortbread is evenly rolled to about 1 cm thick. Let it cool completely on a wire rack to maintain its crisp texture, and avoid storing it in a humid environment.

Can I freeze lemon shortbread dough?

Yes, you can freeze lemon shortbread dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting into shapes.

How long does lemon shortbread last?

Lemon shortbread will last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To extend its freshness, you can also freeze the baked shortbread for up to 2 months.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread Recipe is a delightful and refreshing twist on a classic. With its buttery texture and zesty lemon flavor, this shortbread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at tea time or gifting it to friends. It’s easy to make, and the simple ingredients come together to create a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.

Try this recipe and enjoy the perfect balance of rich, buttery goodness with a hint of citrus!

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