Lemon shortbread is a delightful treat that combines the buttery richness of traditional shortbread with the zesty brightness of lemons. Mary Berry, a beloved figure in the world of baking, has shared her own lemon shortbread recipe that promises to elevate your tea-time experience to a whole new level.

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In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating Mary Berry’s lemon shortbread, share expert tips, and answer common questions to ensure your baking success.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread

250g (8.8oz) unsalted butter, softened
125g (4.4oz) caster sugar
250g (8.8oz) plain flour
125g (4.4oz) semolina
Zest of 2 lemons

For the Lemon Icing

Juice of 2 lemons
175g (6.2oz) icing sugar

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Lemon Shortbread

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) fan/180°C (356°F) conventional/gas mark 4. Line a 23cm (9-inch) square tin with baking parchment.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Add the plain flour, semolina, and lemon zest to the bowl. Combine the ingredients to form a dough. Be careful not to overmix; a light hand is key to perfect shortbread.
Press the dough into the lined tin, ensuring it’s level and reaches the edges. Prick the surface all over with a fork. This prevents the shortbread from rising too much during baking.
Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until it’s a pale gold color. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-baking. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin.
While the shortbread is cooling, prepare the lemon icing. Mix the lemon juice and icing sugar together until you have a smooth, runny icing.
Pour the icing over the cooled shortbread, spreading it out evenly. Allow it to set before cutting the shortbread into squares.

Expert Tips

Use room-temperature butter for a smoother dough.
Semolina adds a delightful crunch to the shortbread, so don’t skip it.
Zesting the lemons directly into the mixture ensures the oils from the zest infuse the dough with a fresh lemony aroma.
If you want your icing to be extra lemony, add some lemon zest to it.

Why Mary Berry’s Lemon Shortbread?

Irresistible Flavor

Mary Berry’s lemon shortbread is a burst of citrusy goodness. The zest and juice of lemons infuse every bite with a refreshing tang that perfectly complements the buttery richness of the shortbread.

Easy to Make

This recipe is beginner-friendly, and you don’t need any special equipment. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, it’s accessible for all levels of bakers.

Versatility

Lemon shortbread is not limited to tea time. It’s a fantastic addition to dessert tables, a delightful gift, or a tasty treat for any occasion.

Family Favorite

The combination of buttery shortbread and zesty lemon is universally loved. Making a batch of Mary Berry’s lemon shortbread is a surefire way to put smiles on the faces of your loved ones.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s lemon shortbread is the perfect combination of sweet and zesty, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is a must-try.

Trust in Mary Berry’s expertise, and you’ll soon be savoring the delicious results. Enjoy the zesty magic of lemon shortbread, and share the joy with your friends and family. Happy baking!

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