Ready to elevate your basketball cookies game? These Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies are a total slam dunk! With buttery shortbread layers, a zesty lemon filling, and that iconic basketball design, they’re the perfect treat for any hoops fan.
The bright lemon flavor makes these cookies stand out from the crowd. They’re sophisticated enough for adults but fun enough for kids. Let’s bring some sunshine to your next basketball celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies Recipe
These basketball cookies have an incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the rich shortbread base. The lemon cream filling adds a refreshing tang that perfectly balances the buttery sweetness.
They’re also surprisingly sturdy for sandwich cookies, making them ideal for decorating and transporting to parties. The shortbread holds its shape beautifully, and the filling doesn’t squish out when you bite in.
The flavor combination is absolutely heavenly. Think buttery, crumbly cookies with a bright citrus punch that keeps you reaching for another one.
Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange gel food coloring
For the lemon filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Black icing or edible marker
Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference! Don’t substitute bottled lemon juice—the fresh stuff gives you that vibrant, authentic citrus flavor.
How to Make Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies
Let’s break it down into easy steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Add vanilla: Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
- Add flour mixture: Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add color: Blend in orange gel food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Roll and cut: Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch circles.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are barely golden.
- Cool completely: Let cookies cool on wire racks.
- Make filling: Beat butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until fluffy.
- Assemble: Spread lemon filling on half the cookies, top with remaining cookies.
- Decorate: Draw basketball lines with black icing or edible marker.
Tips for the Best Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies
Don’t overmix the dough. Shortbread should be tender, and overmixing develops gluten, making cookies tough.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes before rolling if it’s too soft. This makes cutting cleaner shapes much easier.
Bake until just set, not golden brown. Shortbread should be pale with only slightly darker edges for the best texture.
Let filling firm up in the fridge for 15 minutes before assembling if it’s too soft.
Use a piping bag for the lemon filling to control the amount and keep edges neat.
Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies Variations
Transform these basketball cookies with creative twists:
Basketball cookies royal icing: Instead of filling, use royal icing to sandwich the cookies. It creates a firmer hold and adds a sweet vanilla contrast to the lemon shortbread.
Basketball cookies buttercream: Swap the lemon filling for orange buttercream to match the basketball theme. Add orange zest for extra flavor!
Basketball cookies birthday: Make these special for birthday celebrations by adding basketball cookies with names piped on top with white icing before drawing the basketball lines.
Basketball cookies with numbers: Perfect for team parties! Pipe jersey numbers in the center of each cookie using contrasting icing colors before adding the basketball details.
Basketball cookies easy: Skip the sandwich step entirely and make simple basketball cookies decorated with just the black lines. Still delicious and much quicker!
Basketball cookies ideas: Try different citrus flavors like lime or orange in the filling, or add a thin layer of jam between the shortbread and lemon cream.
What to Serve with Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies
These basketball cookies pair wonderfully with:
Iced lemonade to double down on that refreshing citrus flavor.
Hot tea for an elegant afternoon treat during the game.
Fresh berries for a light, fruity accompaniment.
Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
Sparkling water with lemon to keep things light and refreshing.
Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze unfilled cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and fill before serving. Don’t freeze assembled sandwiches as the filling can become watery.
How long do these stay fresh?
Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! Natural shortbread color works beautifully. Just add the black basketball lines, and everyone will still recognize them as basketball cookies.
Final Thoughts on Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies
These Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies are a game-changer for any basketball party or celebration. The combination of buttery shortbread and bright lemon filling is absolutely irresistible, and they look adorable on any dessert table.
Whether you’re making basketball cookies decorated for a big tournament or just want to surprise your favorite hoops fan, this recipe delivers on flavor and fun. Get ready for compliments, CookJoy friends—these cookies are winners!
Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Basketball Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Beat in lemon zest and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix in flour and salt on low speed just until dough comes together.
- Roll dough between parchment sheets to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut dough into circles using a round cutter and place on baking sheets.
- Chill cookies for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are barely golden.
- Cool cookies completely on wire racks.
- Beat filling ingredients until light and fluffy.
- Spread filling on half the cookies and sandwich with remaining cookies.
- Decorate tops with orange frosting and add basketball lines using black icing or marker.