Lemon Shortbread Squares

Name: Lemon Shortbread Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16 squares.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest, optional; 1/2 cup chopped pecans

During the Christmas season, I keep homemade cookies available in my office to share with co-workers. These easy-to-prepare squares always get rave reviews.

Ingredients

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest, optional
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extracts. Gradually add flour. Mix until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the side of the bowl. Stir in lemon zest if desired.
Press into an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Score with a sharp knife into 16 squares. Prick each square twice with a fork. Sprinkle with pecans; press firmly into dough.
Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and pecans are toasted. Cool for 5 minutes. Cut along scored lines. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 140 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Reviews

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

Judy1544

Mar 26, 2011

Since we love lemon flavoring, I substituted lemon oil for the lemon extract and used the entire grated lemon peel of one lemon. Love shortbread, love lemon, and this one is a winner! So easy to make, so easy to eat.