Name: Lemon Lavender Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the cookies: 2 ¼ cups / 270 g / 9.5 oz all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled; 2 tbsp / 10 g / 0.6 oz cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 2 sticks / 225 g / 8 oz salted butter, at cool room temperature; ¾ cup / 150 g / 5.3 oz granulated sugar; 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 3 medium lemons); 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds; 1 large egg, at a cool room temperature; 1 ½ cups / 180 g / 6.3 oz powdered sugar, sifted; 2 to 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; ½ tsp lavender extract (optional); 3 to 4 drops of purple food coloring; Lavender buds, to garnish (optional); Lemon zest, to garnish (optional)

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Lemon Lavender Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the fragrant flavors of fresh lemon and soothing lavender in a soft, buttery cookie. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a unique twist on classic dessert flavors. The balance of zesty lemon and floral lavender is both refreshing and calming, making these cookies a wonderful option for any occasion. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, paired with the sweet and tangy lemon glaze, creates a dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you’re making them for a special event, a tea party, or simply as a sweet indulgence, these cookies offer an elevated experience with every bite. The added touch of lavender extract and garnishes like lemon zest and lavender buds elevate the presentation, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique and Elegant Flavor

The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender creates a refreshing and elegant flavor profile that’s not only delicious but also a bit unexpected. It’s the perfect treat for those who enjoy sophisticated flavors.

2. Easy to Make

Despite their refined taste, these cookies are straightforward to prepare. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have a batch of these beautiful cookies ready in no time.

3. Perfect for Special Occasions

Lemon Lavender Cookies are ideal for bridal showers, tea parties, or any event that calls for an elegant, yet approachable dessert. Their light, fragrant flavors make them a wonderful complement to lighter fare or afternoon tea.

4. Versatile and Customizable

Feel free to adjust the intensity of the lavender or lemon flavor to suit your taste. You can even make the glaze without the lavender extract for a simpler lemon glaze if you prefer a more classic lemon flavor.

5. Visually Stunning

These cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful. With a lemon glaze, a touch of lavender garnish, and a hint of purple food coloring, they’re as visually appealing as they are flavorful. They make a great gift or treat to impress friends and family.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Salted butter, at room temperature
Granulated sugar
Lemon zest
Dried culinary lavender buds
Large egg, at room temperature

For the glaze:

Powdered sugar, sifted
Fresh lemon juice
Lavender extract (optional)
Purple food coloring (optional)
Lavender buds, to garnish
Lemon zest, to garnish

Variations

Lavender-Free Option: If you’re not fond of lavender, you can skip the lavender buds and extract in both the cookie dough and the glaze, creating a classic lemon cookie instead.
Herb Substitution: Swap out the lavender for another herb, like thyme or rosemary, for a completely different twist on the flavor.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help the cookies maintain their structure.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest and dried lavender buds, and mix to combine. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will make it easier to roll and shape the cookies.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and gently flatten them with the back of a spoon. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lavender extract (if using), and a few drops of purple food coloring. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and lavender buds for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for these cookies to hold their shape while baking. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest: Fresh zest will give the cookies a bright, aromatic lemon flavor. Avoid using pre-zested lemon for the best results.
Adjust Lavender Flavor: If you’re unsure about the strength of the lavender, start with a little less and taste the dough. You can always add more if you want a stronger lavender flavor.

How to Serve

Serve these Lemon Lavender Cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or lemonade for a light and refreshing treat. They also pair wonderfully with a fruit salad or cheese platter at a brunch or gathering. For a beautiful presentation, place them on a decorative tray and garnish with extra lemon zest and lavender buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay fresh and maintain their soft texture for several days.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat baked cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may need to add a pinch of salt to the dough.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before baking.

3. Can I make the glaze without lavender extract?

Yes, the glaze can still be delicious without the lavender extract. Simply use lemon juice and powdered sugar for a tangy, sweet glaze.

4. Are these cookies gluten-free?

You can make gluten-free Lemon Lavender Cookies by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

5. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender?

Dried lavender buds work best in cookies because they retain their fragrance and flavor. If you use fresh lavender, make sure it’s culinary-grade and use less than the recipe calls for to avoid overwhelming the flavor.

6. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month.

7. How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less powdered sugar depending on your taste.

8. Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious even without the glaze. You can enjoy them as a simple, buttery lemon cookie.

9. Can I use a different citrus for these cookies?

Yes, you can substitute lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus flavor.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If they’re golden all over, they may be overbaked.

Conclusion

Lemon Lavender Cookies are a fragrant, flavorful treat that brings a sophisticated twist to your cookie repertoire. With their delicate balance of zesty lemon and floral lavender, they’re perfect for a variety of occasions, from a casual afternoon snack to an elegant event. The cookies are easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries them. Whether served as a centerpiece for a special occasion or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these cookies are a beautiful and delicious way to indulge in the flavors of spring.