Shortbread – Feasting Is Fun

Hi and thank you for dropping by. I have a delightful treat for you today, my – Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars.

The other day I spotted a jar of Lemon Curd (unopened) in the cupboard. My brain started whirring with all the possibilities of how I could incorporate the Lemon Curd into my next bake. I didn’t fancy making pastry, let’s be honest, sometimes it seems like too much effort – even though it is really easy – anyhow, wasn’t feeling the pastry thing. Then I thought about a cake, but that wasn’t doing it for me either, I must’ve been having a funny day? Then I thought shortbread. But not as a biscuit, as a base. Yippee, I was finally getting somewhere. Everything good so far, shortbread base, slathered with lemon curd and then oats. Wasn’t quite sure how I was going to use them in the topping, just knew I needed oats – and that’s how these Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars were born!

With the oat topping I decided to keep back a quarter of the shortbread dough and then crumble with the oats and pray that it would work – am not joking. It did! Although in all honesty, the bars were quite crumbly when I cut them up. Next time I would leave the whole tray bake intact, for at least a few hours, or even better overnight. The bars had firmed up beautifully by the next day.

Recipe : Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars – makes 12

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter – room temp

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

1tsp Vanilla Extract

1 Large Egg Yolk – room temp

275g/10oz Plain White Flour

310g/11oz Jar Lemon Curd

175g/6oz Rolled Oats – not quick cook

Making The Shortbread Layer

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan, gas mark 4, 350F.

Butter and line with parchment paper a 30cm x 20cm (12″ x 8″) at least 4cm (1.5″) deep tin.

Into a large bowl whisk the butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, whisk until fully incorporated.

Next add the flour and stir with a spoon until just combined.

This is how your shortbread dough should look.

Reserve a quarter of the shortbread dough (for the topping).

Using the remaining shortbread dough, press lightly into the pan, so it forms an even layer. — Using the remaining shortbread dough, press lightly into the tin, so it forms an even layer.

Pop the tin into the oven for 10 minutes. This will form a light crust on, but not fully cooked, the shortbread. After 10 minutes remove from the oven.

Adding The Lemon Layer

Immediately start spooning the Lemon Curd over the shortbread base.

Cover the entire shortbread base, just inside the edge.

Making And Using The Oat Crumble Topping

Set to one side whilst you make the oat topping.

Add the oats to the remaining shortbread dough.

Using your fingers rub the buttery shortbread dough through the oats until you have an even crumble mix.

Starting at one corner sprinkle the oat crumble topping... — Starting at one corner sprinkle the oat crumble topping…

...until the entire top is covered. Very gently press down on the topping to slightly compact it. — …until the entire top is covered. Very gently press down on the topping to slightly compact it.

Baking The Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars

Place in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the oat topping is golden in colour, then remove from oven.

Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars - allow to cool completely in the pan. — Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars – allow to cool completely in the tin.

Once completely cooled, cut lengthways down the middle of the bake. Then cut into bars. Remove and store in an airtight container.

Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars - pre-cooking the shortbread layer ensures it is cooked through with a lovely golden bottom. — Oat Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars – pre-cooking the shortbread layer ensures it is cooked through with a lovely golden bottom.

I really cannot emphasise how gorgeous these Oat Topped Lemon Bars are. The buttery shortbread, topped with good, tangy, lemon curd and then the crunch from the oat crumble topping.

Everyone who has tried these has loved them! That’s definitely a winner in my book (or blog!!!).

Perfect for sharing!

Please let me know what you think?

Sammie x

Hi, I’ve done it! I’ve managed to make Lemon Shortbread Cookies that are utterly delicious. Light, lemony and crumbly, yet also taste like shortbread!

I can’t tell you how good it feels to get back to baking since my recent stay in hospital. I’m not out of the woods yet, but at least I’m on the right path! Baking relaxes me, allows my creative juices to get flowing and produces something scrummy to eat afterwards. Not bad eh?

Buttery, lemony, light Lemon Shortbread Cookies. The perfect biscuit, in my book anyway. I encourage you to try this recipe if you are a fan of lemon and shortbread. I think you get the picture – I LOVE THESE COOKIES!

Recipe : Makes 20-24 Lemon Shortbread Cookies

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter – room temperature

1 Large Egg Yolk – free range – the white can be frozen for up to one month

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

1tbsp Lemon Zest – finely grated (approx 1 medium lemon)

1/4 tsp Salt – I use Maldon

300g/10oz Plain White Flour

Extra Sugar for sprinkling – I use granulated sugar

Making And Chilling The Cookie Dough

Whisk the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.

Add the room temperature egg yolk, vanilla, lemon zest and salt. Whisk until thoroughly combined.

Add the flour and mix (I do this by hand) until all the ingredients are just incorporated and the cookie dough comes together.

Wipe the worktop with a damp, clean cloth. Lay the cling film on top and it will stay in place!

Place half of the cookie dough onto a piece of cling film.

Using your hands shape the dough into a log. Wrap tightly in the cling and repeat with the other half of the dough.

Finally, place the cookie dough logs into the refrigerator and chill until firm. Usually one hour.

Slicing And Baking The Cookies

When ready to bake preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan oven, gas mark 4, 350F.

As soon as the dough logs are chilled remove from the refrigerator, place on a board and unwrap.

Using a sharp knife slice the log into 1cm – half inch thick rounds.

Place the cookie dough rounds onto a non stick, or baking parchment covered baking tray and lightly sprinkle with sugar.

Bake the Lemon Shortbread Cookies for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and set.

As soon as the cookies are baked remove from the oven and sprinkle over a little more sugar.

Leave to cool on the tray for 10 mins then transfer to a cooling rack.

These cookies actually improve on keeping, in an airtight container, if you can wait.

Now think of someone you know, who loves lemon, pop some cooled cookies in a cellophane bag, tied with pretty ribbon and make their day!

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Lemon Shortbread Cookies you may also like these:

Cranberry Oat Cookies

FF Lemon Shortbread Cookies — Cranberry Oat Cookies

Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars

Lemon Drizzle Cake Bars

As well as coming up with new recipe ideas and flavour combinations I really do enjoy baking for others. Whether it is a planned, family occasion, or a surprise, making something that I know others will appreciate and enjoy is a constant source of pleasure. An unexpected gift is a wonderful way to show someone that you care and food ALWAYS tastes better when it’s shared.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Keep smiling, Sammie x.

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