Cookies & BarsNo. 8470 · The 2026 edition
Spooky Shortbread Cookies (Lemon-Vanilla Flavor)
These spooky shortbread cookies blend lemon and vanilla for a tasty Halloween treat that's fun to decorate.
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These lemon-vanilla shortbread cookies are easy to make and perfect for Halloween. The dough chills for 30 minutes, then is rolled, cut into spooky shapes, and baked until golden. Once cool, let your creativity loose with icing and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
Directions
- Set your oven to 325°F to preheat.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 5 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons light olive oil (or grapeseed/canola), 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 4.5 ounces (about 1 cup) all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 to 3 teaspoons grated lemon rind (I use a full tablespoon).
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until combined. Lightly knead the dough a few times until smooth, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- On a floured board, roll or pat the dough to desired thickness and cut into shapes with knives or cookie cutters. Place on a baking sheet lined with silicone or parchment. Bake: for 12 thick cookies, 30 minutes; for 20 thinner cookies, 15–20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost with decorator icing (white, black, orange) and top with Halloween sprinkles and candy decorations. Enjoy!
