Welcome to our Easy Mediterranean Shortbread Cookies with a Candied Lemon Slices recipe! If you’re looking for a delicious and unique cookie recipe to impress your friends and family, look no further than these mouth-watering Mediterranean shortbread cookies with candied lemon slices on top. These cookies are bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean, including lemon and olive oil, and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

One of the best things about these cookies is that they are easy to make and only require a handful of simple ingredients. To start, you’ll need all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and olive oil. The candied lemon on top is made with lemon slices, sugar, and water. This recipe combines the buttery, crumbly texture of shortbread with the bright, citrusy flavor of candied lemon for a delicious treat that is sure to impress.

To make these cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) (replaces 1 cup unsalted butter, softened)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the dough
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (this adds size and browning)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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• 6 organic lemons, thinly sliced (you will need a slicer)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

1. To make the cookies, start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough comes together.
2. Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to let it firm up.
3. While the dough is chilling, make the candied lemon topping. Place the lemon slices in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer the lemon slices for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, remove the lemon slices from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add the lemon slices. Simmer the lemons for 15-20 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened and the lemon slices are translucent.
5. Once the dough and lemon topping are ready, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the dough into the desired shape. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Allow the cookies to cool completely before topping them with the candied lemon slices. You can either place a single slice of candied lemon on top of each cookie, or cut the lemon slices into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the cookies.

These Mediterranean Shortbread Cookies with Candied Lemon Topping are a delicious and unique treat that is sure to impress. The buttery shortbread cookies are balanced perfectly by the tangy and sweet candied lemon topping. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.