Lemon Glazed Christmas Tree Shortbread – A Zesty Holiday Delight!

Ingredients:

For the shortbread cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the lemon glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Yellow food coloring

Optional: Piping bag or zip-top bag for decoration

Instructions:

1. Make the shortbread cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.

2. Prepare the lemon glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add food coloring to achieve a bright yellow hue.

Transfer the glaze to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

3. Decorate the cookies:

Spread a thin layer of lemon glaze over the cookies, letting it set for a few minutes.

Drizzle more glaze in a zigzag pattern over the top for the festive design. Allow the glaze to fully set before serving.