Okay, friends, gather ’round! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart: “An American Pasta”. Lemon Lavender Cookies. These aren’t your average sugar cookies. They’re like sunshine baked into a delicate, floral dream. Think of them as the sophisticated cousin of a classic lemon bar, but with … What is lavender that makes everything better? I always make a batch when I need to pick up something special. What is it like to have a lemon and floral combo? What is the best part about making these? They’re easy to make. Is it possible to impress people with these pants without breaking a sweat? What are some good recipes to try out?Lemon Lavender Cookies: What are, they will become a favorite, I promise!
What is Lemon Lavender Cookies?
Lemon Lavender Cookies are exactly what they sound like: delicious, buttery cookies infused with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon and the calming, floral aroma of lavender. It’s essentially a shortbread-style cookie, which gives it that melt-in-your-mouth texture, but with a flavor profile that’s anything but ordinary. The lavender isn’t overpowering; it’s subtle and adds a beautiful depth to the lemon. Think of it as a grown-up Sugar Cookie, perfect for afternoon tea, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something lovely. I love that they are so unique and provide such a sophisticated flavor! These Lemon Lavender Cookies.Are they really special?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons!
First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of bright, tangy lemon and calming lavender is seriously addictive. It’s a burst of sunshine with a hint of serenity – perfect for those days when you need a little something special.
Second, it’s surprisingly simple to make! Don’t let the fancy flavor profile intimidate you. The dough comes together quickly, and you don’t need any special equipment. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll nail this recipe.
Third, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. You probably already have most of them in your pantry. And even the lavender buds are easily sourced online or at specialty spice shops.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve these cookies with afternoon tea, pack them in a lunchbox, or even give them as a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What I love most about these lemon lavender cookiesHow do they elevate a simple treat into something truly special? What are cookies? They are more than just cookies! What are some of the best recipes for a sweet cake? What are some good snacks for the kids? I personally think they are even better than your average Chocolate Chip Cookie – but maybe I’m just a child. Is there any way to see what I mean?
How do I make lemon lavender cookies?
Quick Overview
How do I make Lemon Lavender Cookies? I’ll start by creaming together butter and sugar, then adding the lemon zest, lavender, and other ingredients. I’ll add more. What are wet ingredients Next, you’ll gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms. How do you bake cookies? What is the best way to cook onions? This method is special because it really allows the lemon and lavender flavors to shine, creating a perfect combination of flavors. What makes a cookie delicate and delicious?
Ingredients
For the cookies:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s *really* soft for easy creaming!
* ¾ cup granulated sugar. I sometimes use 12 cup granulated sugar and 2 cups powdered sugar for a softer cookie.
* 1 large egg. Use room temperature eggs for the best mixing.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pure vanilla is best, but imitation works in a pinch.
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest. Zest only the yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
* 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds. Be sure to use culinary lavender – other types can be too strong or bitter.
* 2 12 cups all-purpose flour. Spoon and level the flour to avoid using too much.
* 12 teaspoon baking powder. This helps the cookies stay tender.
* 14 teaspoon salt. Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
What is the recipe for LEMON GLAZE?
* 1 cup powdered sugar. Sift it to avoid lumps.
* 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is always best!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I clean cookies? I always do this before I even start measuring ingredients so the oven is nice and hot when I’m cooking.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is super important because it incorporates air into the dough, which is what makes the cookies tender. If you do not have an electric mixer, this can be done by hand, but requires lots of arm muscle.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, Lemon Zest, & Lavender
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, stir in the lemon zest and lavender buds. Make sure the lavender is evenly distributed throughout the mixture so you get that lovely floral flavor in every bite. If your butter was too cold, the mixture might look curdled at this point. Don’t worry, it’ll come back together when you add the flour.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this will result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the butter to firm up, which prevents the cookies from sticking. Is it safe to spread too much in the oven? I sometimes chill the dough for an hour or even overnight if I’m planning ahead.
Step 6: Roll Out & Cut Cookies
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 14 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. I love using simple round or floral cutters for these cookies, but you can get creative with them too. What do you have on hand?
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn easily. You want them to be tender and slightly soft in the center. Every oven is different, so start checking them at 8 minutes. I always rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. Is it possible to cool completely? Once they’re completely cool, you can glaze them if desired.
Step 9: Glaze (optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Set aside. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough so that they don’t stick together. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving. What is the best glaze for cookies?
What should I serve it with?
These Lemon Lavender Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways!
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to start your day with Earl Grey tea? Lemon and Lavender complement the tea beautifully.For Brunch:Arrange them on a pretty platter alongside fresh fruit, scones, and mini quiches for an elegant dinner. Is there a touch of sweetness and sophistication to any dish?As Dessert:Serve with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert. What are some of the What are some good side dishes to serve with a glass of wine or herbal tea?For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. They’re the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.
My family loves these lemon lavender cookies with a warm glass of almond milk! It is so simple but delicious and makes for the perfect dessert. Also, for my daughter’s birthday, I served them with a scoop of lavender ice cream and some fresh raspberries. It was a huge hit! These cookies are also a great addition to any party.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Lavender Cookies
Want to take your Lemon Lavender Cookies to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
Lemon Zest: When zesting the lemon, be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and will ruin the flavor of your cookies. I use a microplane zester for the finest zest.
Lavender Buds: Use culinary-grade lavender buds for the best flavor. Avoid using lavender from craft stores or gardens, as it may not be safe to eat. Also, don’t overdo it on the lavender – a little goes a long way. I always start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have lavender buds, you can substitute them with a teaspoon of lavender extract. Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as extracts can be quite strong. You can also use other citrus zests, like orange or grapefruit, for a different flavor profile.
Baking Tips: Bake the cookies on the middle rack of your oven for even cooking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with foil. I always set a timer for a minute or two less than the recommended baking time, just to be safe.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the lemon glaze. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract. If you want to make a flavored glaze, I recommend adding lemon zest to the glaze, because it enhances the flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Lemon Lavender Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers of cookies.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cookies, it’s best to glaze them just before serving. This prevents the glaze from becoming sticky or melting during storage. If you must glaze them ahead of time, store them in a single layer in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Lavender Cookies are truly something special. They’re the perfect combination of bright, zesty, and calming, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them with afternoon tea, packing them in a lunchbox, or giving them as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress. If you love these, you might also enjoy my Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins or my Lavender Shortbread Cookies. They all share that same delicate flavor profile. I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as my family does! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them!
Lemon Lavender Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 1 tablespoon Dried Lavender
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest and lavender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.