Citrus Shortbreads Recipe

This Citrus Shortbreads Recipe transforms simple pantry staples into elegant, melt-in-your-mouth bars infused with the bright aroma of fresh clementines. By processing the zest directly into the sugar, the citrus oils permeate the entire buttery dough, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that perfectly balances the rich, tender crumb achieved by the addition of cornstarch.

Jump to Recipe

Citrus Shortbreads Ingredients

• 3 Clementine Oranges or Small Tangerines: Washed and dried. You will use the finely grated zest only.
• 3/4 cup Sugar: Divided. 1/4 cup is processed with the zest, and 1/2 cup is creamed with the butter.
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour: The structural base.
• 6 tablespoons Cornstarch: The secret ingredient that lowers the gluten content, ensuring the shortbread creates a “short” or tender bite rather than a tough one.
• 1/4 teaspoon Fine Salt: Enhances the butter and citrus flavors.
• 3/4 pound (3 sticks) Unsalted Butter: Softened. A high volume of butter is essential for authentic shortbread texture.

How To Make Citrus Shortbreads

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Butter a 9×12 1/2-inch baking sheet pan, line it with parchment paper, and butter the paper itself.
2. Process the zest: Finely grate the skin of the clementines, avoiding the bitter white pith. Place the zest and 1/4 cup of the sugar in a food processor. Pulse until the zest is minced and fully incorporated into the sugar (1-2 minutes).
3. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Cream the butter: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar on medium speed. Beat for about 8 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
5. Flavor the dough: Add the clementine-sugar mixture to the butter. Beat for another minute to distribute the citrus oils.
6. Combine the dough: Reduce the mixer to low speed. Gradually add the dry flour mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together; do not overwork it.
7. Press and score: Transfer the soft dough to the prepared pan. Press it down with your hands to create an even, flat layer (cover with plastic wrap to smooth it out if sticky). Use a sharp knife to cut the raw dough into 1×3 inch bars. Prick each bar with a fork for decoration and steam release.
8. Bake the shortbread: Bake for 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes. The shortbread is done when it is an even golden color across the top.
9. Recut and cool: Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. While still warm, carefully re-cut the bars along the previous lines. Let cool completely on the rack before removing.

Recipe Tips

• The Zest Technique: Pureeing the zest with sugar acts as an abrasive, breaking open the oil cells in the peel. This releases significantly more flavor than simply stirring grated zest into the dough.
• Cornstarch Magic: Do not skip the cornstarch. It softens the proteins in the flour, giving the shortbread that classic sandy, melting texture rather than a hard, crunchy cookie snap.
• Low and Slow: Shortbread requires a lower oven temperature (325°F) for a longer time than standard cookies. This ensures the butter cooks thoroughly and the dough dries out evenly without burning the edges.
• The Double Cut: Cutting the dough before baking defines the shape, but the dough will fuse slightly in the oven. Re-cutting while warm ensures clean, sharp edges without shattering the crisp cookie.

What To Serve With Citrus Shortbreads

• Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot in the tea echoes the clementine flavor.
• Lemon Posset: Serve a spear of shortbread alongside a creamy citrus dessert.
• Espresso: The brightness of the cookie cuts through the bitterness of coffee.

How To Store Citrus Shortbreads

• Room Temperature: Store in a sealed airtight container at room temperature. These cookies improve with age and will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked bars for up to 1 month. Layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Citrus Shortbreads Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~160 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutrition information is estimated per bar based on approximately 24 servings.

FAQs