Lemon Lavender Cookies

Lemon Lavender Cookies are the perfect blend of refreshing citrus and fragrant lavender, creating a sophisticated and aromatic treat. These delicate cookies feature a crisp edge with a tender interior, offering a delightful contrast of flavors. The addition of lemon zest infuses the dough with a bright, citrusy punch, while the lavender adds a unique floral note, making each bite an enchanting experience. Topped with a simple yet tangy lemon icing, these cookies are ideal for spring and summer gatherings or as a special afternoon snack with tea. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are easy to make and will surely impress anyone who tries them. The subtle sweetness combined with the floral essence of lavender and the zing of lemon makes for a cookie that’s both light and indulgent at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Profile

These cookies stand out with their refreshing lemon and aromatic lavender combination. The blend of citrus and floral creates a distinct, sophisticated taste that’s unlike typical cookie flavors.

2. Simple Ingredients

Despite their complex flavor, the ingredients are simple and easy to find in most grocery stores. This makes the recipe accessible and convenient.

3. Perfect for Special Occasions

The unique flavor of these cookies makes them perfect for special occasions like tea parties, bridal showers, or a spring picnic.

4. Easy to Make

The steps are straightforward, and the recipe is simple to follow, making it a perfect choice for beginner bakers or those looking for an effortless yet elegant treat.

5. Refreshing and Light

These cookies offer a refreshing and light texture, making them perfect for a warm-weather treat or after a heavier meal. The lemon and lavender bring brightness to every bite.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Lavender Sugar

• Sugar
• Dry lavender, ground
• Lemon zest

For the Lemon Lavender Cookies

• All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated white sugar
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Dry lavender, ground

For the Lemon Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice

Variations

1. Add a Crunch

For extra texture, you can add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the dough. This will add a subtle crunch that complements the soft, buttery texture of the cookies.

2. Make it Vegan

To make the cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.

3. Incorporate Other Citrus

If you love citrus flavors, feel free to add orange or lime zest alongside the lemon zest for a more complex flavor profile.

4. Lavender Buttercream

Instead of the lemon icing, you can top your cookies with a light lavender-infused buttercream for a richer, creamier treat.

5. Dried Fruit

For a fruity twist, add dried cranberries or raisins to the cookie dough to balance the floral and citrus flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Lavender Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, ground lavender, and lemon zest. Rub the ingredients together with your fingers to release the oils from the lavender and zest. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Then, stir in the ground lavender.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the prepared lemon lavender sugar mixture, ensuring each ball is coated.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 10: Prepare the Lemon Icing

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl to create the icing. Adjust the lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 11: Drizzle the Icing

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the lemon icing over the top of each cookie.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Fresh Lavender

For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality dried lavender. If using dried lavender, make sure it’s food-grade and not treated with chemicals.

2. Adjust the Lavender Quantity

If you’re not sure about the strength of the lavender flavor, start with less and add more to taste. Lavender can be potent, so a little goes a long way.

3. Refrigerate the Dough

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and ensures a soft, chewy center.

4. Use Room Temperature Butter

For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugar.

5. Avoid Overbaking

These cookies are best when baked just until the edges are golden. Overbaking can result in dry cookies.

How to Serve

These lemon lavender cookies are perfect for pairing with a cup of hot tea, especially a floral blend like chamomile or jasmine. They also make a charming gift when packaged in a decorative box or tin. Serve them at afternoon tea parties, garden events, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Their delicate flavor makes them a lovely addition to any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They should stay soft and fresh for several days.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, fresh lavender can be used, but it should be finely chopped, and you may need to use slightly more than the dried variety to achieve the desired flavor.

2. Can I substitute the butter for something else?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

3. Can I make the cookies smaller?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time slightly if you decide to make them smaller.

4. What if I don’t have a food processor to grind the lavender?

You can use a mortar and pestle or simply crush the lavender buds in a plastic bag using a rolling pin.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

6. Can I skip the lemon icing?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own without the icing, or you can dust them with powdered sugar instead.

7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just roll it into balls, freeze them, and bake as usual when ready.

9. Can I use lime zest instead of lemon zest?

Yes, lime zest would work wonderfully for a slightly different citrus flavor.

10. How long do the cookies stay fresh?

These cookies can stay fresh for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Lemon Lavender Cookies bring a fresh, elegant twist to traditional cookie recipes with their aromatic lavender and zesty lemon combination. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing treat for yourself or shared with loved ones, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet, floral, and citrus flavors that will brighten any occasion. Their simple preparation and beautiful presentation make them a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their baking. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or with a drizzle of lemon icing for the ultimate treat.

Print