Grapefruit-Vanilla Shortbread

Delicate shortbread cookies infused with fresh grapefruit zest and vanilla, topped with a grapefruit glaze and optional decorative toppings. These buttery, citrusy cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

16 servings
2 hr 3 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons grapefruit juice
  • to taste decorative toppings
  • 1 piece springform pan

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Lightly butter pan. Pulse grapefruit zest, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/3 cup powdered sugar in a food processor until smooth and homogenous. Add flour and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; pulse just to combine. Press dough evenly into prepared pan, smoothing top with a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Prick shortbread all over with a fork 1"-2" apart, and bake until edges are golden and center is pale but firm to the touch, 15-18 minutes.

    18 min

  3. 3.

    Remove band from pan and immediately cut shortbread into 16 wedges. Let cool.

    30 min

  4. 4.

    Whisk grapefruit juice, a pinch of kosher salt, and remaining 1 cup powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Spread a thin layer of icing over shortbreads with a small offset spatula, leaving a thin border of crust exposed. Top as desired. Let sit 10-15 minutes to allow glaze to set. Retrace cut marks.

    15 min

  5. 5.

    Dough can be pressed into pan 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.