Introduction

Love Letter Butter Cookies with Citrus Herb Infusion combine delicate buttery sweetness with a fresh, aromatic twist. These charming cookies are perfect for gifting or serving at special occasions, featuring subtle notes of citrus and herbs that bring a unique flavor to a classic treat.

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface holding several lemon cookies. Each cookie has a rough, cracked texture and is pale yellow in color. The cookies have deep cuts forming an X pattern on top, with a small piece of lemon placed in the center of each one. Fresh green thyme sprigs rest on top of some cookies, adding a touch of green color. The bright yellow lemon wedges scattered around enhance the fresh, citrus look. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1 large egg yolk
2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated citrus zest (lemon or orange)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, producing a gentle whisking sound.
Step 2: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Stir in the finely grated citrus zest and chopped fresh herbs to add a fragrant and slightly textured element to the dough.
Step 4: Gradually fold in the sifted flour with a spatula, mixing just until the dough comes together and is soft but manageable.
Step 5: Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up the butter.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and rolling pin.
Step 7: Unwrap the chilled dough and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness, making sure the surface is even and smooth for embossing.
Step 8: Use cookie stamps or embossing tools to press your favorite messages or designs gently but firmly into the dough surface.
Step 9: Cut out the cookies with floured cookie cutters and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 10: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The cookies will be crisp outside but tender inside, showcasing the decorative embossings.

Tips & Variations

For a different herb flavor, try substituting thyme or rosemary with chopped mint or basil.
Add a teaspoon of almond extract for an additional layer of flavor.
Use colored sanding sugar to sprinkle on top before baking for a bit of sparkle.
If you don’t have cookie stamps, you can write messages with a toothpick or use small cookie cutters to create shapes.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb moisture. Reheat briefly in a low oven (about 300°F) to restore crispness if needed.

How to Serve

A white plate holds six round lemon cookies arranged in a circle. Each cookie has five deep cuts radiating from the center, creating a star-like pattern. The cookies are pale yellow with a slightly crumbly texture, and some have a rough sugar topping that adds a bit of sparkle. Each cookie is topped with a small slice or wedge of bright yellow lemon and a few small green sprigs, likely thyme, adding a fresh contrast. The background is a white marbled surface, with a blurred lemon and more green sprigs in soft focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. Just make sure to bring it to a slightly softened state before rolling out.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, baked cookies freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.