Citrus Almond Bliss Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the delightful fusion of buttery shortbread and the rich flavor of ground almonds, enhanced with a hint of citrus zest. Inspired by a beloved recipe from the Washington State Bed & Breakfast Cookbook, this version incorporates fresh lemon, orange, or lime zest for an aromatic twist that elevates each bite. These cookies are incredibly simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients, yet they elicit admiration from everyone who tries them. Baked to a delicate light golden hue, they practically melt in your mouth. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and serve them at gatherings or enjoy them as a treat with your afternoon tea. Prepare to share this recipe, as friends and family will be asking for it time and again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 1/2 cups (Sifted)
butter
1 cup (Room temperature)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
ground almonds
1 cup (About 1/4 lb almonds with the skin on, coarsely chopped then ground)
grated orange or lime zest
1 tablespoon (Optional)
powdered sugar
For dusting (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, salt, and sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add the ground almonds, mixing until fully incorporated.
4
If using, add the grated orange or lime zest and mix until combined.
5
Once the mixture resembles a firm dough, scoop out portions and roll them into 1 1/4-inch balls.
6
Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, then gently flatten each ball with your fingers to form a disc.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid over-baking to maintain a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
8
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Almond Bliss Shortbread Cookies?
They are a delightful fusion of buttery shortbread and rich ground almonds enhanced with a hint of citrus zest.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a version found in the Washington State Bed & Breakfast Cookbook.
What types of citrus zest can I use?
You can use fresh lemon, orange, or lime zest to add an aromatic twist to the cookies.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 7 basic ingredients: flour, butter, salt, sugar, ground almonds, citrus zest, and powdered sugar.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How should the butter be prepared before mixing?
The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it can be beaten until light and fluffy.
What mixer attachment should I use?
A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended for combining the ingredients.
How do I prepare the almonds for the dough?
Use about 1/4 lb of almonds with the skin on, coarsely chop them, and then grind them.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Combine the room temperature butter, salt, and sugar in a mixer and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
When should I add the ground almonds?
Gradually add the ground almonds after creaming the butter and sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
Is the citrus zest a mandatory ingredient?
No, the grated orange or lime zest is optional, but it is recommended for an aromatic flavor twist.
How much citrus zest is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of grated orange or lime zest.
What should the dough look like before shaping?
The mixture should be mixed until it resembles a firm dough.
What size should the dough balls be?
Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1 1/4-inch balls.
Do I need to flatten the cookies before baking?
Yes, place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and gently flatten each one with your fingers to form a disc.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 10 to 14 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden.
Why should I avoid over-baking these cookies?
Avoiding over-baking ensures the cookies maintain their delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Where should the cookies cool after baking?
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
When should I apply the powdered sugar?
Dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm for a beautiful finish.
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of sifted flour.
What type of sugar is used in the cookie dough?
The dough uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of butter.
What is the purpose of the salt in the recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
What is the final texture of the cookies?
The cookies are light, delicate, and practically melt in your mouth.
Are these cookies suitable for tea time?
Yes, they are an excellent treat to enjoy with afternoon tea.
Can I use lime zest instead of orange?
Yes, either orange or lime zest can be used to provide the desired citrus aroma.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as incredibly simple to make and requires only a few basic ingredients.
Should the baking sheet be lined?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a lined baking sheet for the best results.
What makes these cookies a good choice for gatherings?
Their sophisticated almond and citrus flavor profile and professional appearance make them a hit with friends and family.