Spring Picnic Shortbread: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

Spring picnic shortbread, the perfect treat to welcome warmer weather and outdoor adventures. It’s hard to believe spring is already here, and with it comes the joy of picnics. This simple shortbread recipe, with its buttery crumb and hint of lemon zest, makes a delightful addition to any spring basket. It’s a recipe inspired by my grandmother who always had something sweet ready to share, perfect for enjoying outdoors.

Why You Will Love This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

This spring picnic shortbread recipe is all about bringing a little joy to your day. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and the result is a melt in your mouth treat that everyone will adore. The light lemon zest complements the buttery base, making it a refreshing and satisfying springtime snack. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious dessert recipes!

I remember one picnic in particular, under blossoming cherry trees with the scent of spring in the air. That’s the feeling this spring picnic shortbread aims to capture. Plus, it travels well, which is crucial for any picnic treat. If you are looking for more picnic ideas, check out this amazing recipe for Spring Picnic Brownies!

Ingredients Needed for This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For Sprinkling (optional):

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

How to Make This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
3. 3. Stir in the lemon zest.
4. 4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. 5. Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 9 inch square baking pan.
6. 6. Use a fork to prick the dough all over. This prevents the shortbread from puffing up.
7. 7. Sprinkle with the optional sugar.
8. 8. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. 9. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or triangles. If you want to try more recipes, I encourage you to check out this Spring Picnic Stew!
10. 10. Cut and serve immediately.

How to Serve This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

This spring picnic shortbread is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with fresh berries for a delightful contrast. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. The lovely aroma of lemon will certainly complete this perfect picnic recipe.

For a picnic, pack the shortbread in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming stale. You might arrange it on a platter with fresh fruit for an inviting presentation. Feel free to accompany the shortbread with a hot or cold drink during your picnic.

How to Store This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

Store your cooled spring picnic shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh and crumbly for several days. Do not store it in the refrigerator. Storing in the refrigerator can lead to loss of taste of the fresh, lemon scent.

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture. However, if necessary, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

• Use high quality butter for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this will result in a tough shortbread.
• Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the creaming process.
• If you want a richer flavor, try using brown butter. This will create a nutty taste.

Ingredient Swaps:

• For a gluten free version, use a gluten free flour blend.
• Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
• You can experiment with different citrus zests, such as orange or lime.

Helpful Notes for This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

The key to a tender shortbread is not overworking the dough. Mix the flour in until just combined. Pricking the dough before baking helps prevent it from puffing up and losing its shape.

The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the shortbread and adjust accordingly. Be sure to completely cool before cutting, lest the shortbread crumbles on you. Consider accompanying this shortbread with Spring Picnic Cupcakes!

Variation of This spring picnic shortbread Recipe

For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the dough. About two tablespoons should do the trick. If you want it even sweeter, add chocolate chips. Another variation is to stir in chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added texture and flavor.

Seasonal Twists:

• In the fall, add pumpkin spice to the dough.
• In the winter, add peppermint extract.
• In the summer, add fresh berries to the top before baking.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll try this simple and delicious spring picnic shortbread recipe! It’s a perfect treat to bring a little bit of sunshine to your day. Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out, or if you have any questions. Happy Baking!

Print