If ever there was a cookie that captures the magic of spring in a single bite, it’s these Lemon Lavender Cookies. With their tender, buttery crumb, fragrant floral notes, and zesty lemon glaze, they are a true sensory delight that transforms everyday ingredients into a treat that feels refined yet wonderfully comforting. Perfect with a cup of tea, as a dainty dessert at a brunch, or packaged as a homemade gift, their gorgeous aroma and beautiful appearance are only rivaled by their irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is exactly what makes Lemon Lavender Cookies shine; each one plays a crucial role in delivering their unique aroma, soft texture, and elegant finishing touch. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and how each element elevates the finished cookie.
- Unsalted butter: Gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and ensures the delicate flavors shine through.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and acts as the base for the vibrant lemon and lavender flavors.
- Lemon zest: Provides a bright, natural citrusy kick that brings freshness and color to the cookies and glaze.
- Dried culinary lavender: Adds gentle, floral fragrance and flavor; be sure to use culinary lavender for the best taste.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances both the lemon and lavender notes.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a silky, sweet glaze that seeps into every craggy edge.
- Lemon juice: Zings up the glaze and offers an extra layer of tartness to balance the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure and classic shortbread-like crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch is needed to highlight all the other flavors.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies
Step 1: Infuse Your Sugar with Lemon and Lavender
First, combine your granulated sugar with lemon zest and dried culinary lavender. Either pulse them together in a food processor or vigorously crush with a mortar and pestle—the goal is to release the fragrant oils, making sure every grain of sugar is infused with floral-citrus magic. The heady aroma tells you you’re off to a delicious start.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Lemon-Lavender Sugar
Add your infused sugar mixture to softened unsalted butter and beat until light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and ensures those sunny flavors permeate every bite. Don’t rush this step—the lighter the mixture, the more tender your cookies will be.
Step 3: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt
Gently mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the flour and salt. Go slow here—overmixing can make the cookies tough. You’re looking for a soft, cohesive dough that’s just combined. If the dough feels sticky, that’s perfectly fine; it will firm up during the chilling step.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough in plastic wrap or shape it into a log and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This step is essential: it prevents spreading in the oven and lets the flavors meld together, so don’t skip or rush it!
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Once chilled, roll out the dough or slice rounds from your log, aiming for cookies about 1/4-inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little room in between. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are just turning golden—keep a close eye, as over-baking will dull their delicate texture and flavor.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice and extra zest until you have a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle or spoon over the cooled cookies, letting playful little rivers of icing accentuate every bump and swirl.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies
Garnishes
Pile your Lemon Lavender Cookies onto a pretty platter and scatter with a few pinches of extra dried lavender or a little grated lemon zest. For extra flair, edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint add a whimsical, garden-party feel that’s perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten your day.
Side Dishes
Pair these delicate cookies with a pot of Earl Grey, chamomile, or soothing green tea. They are also a delightful companion to citrusy treats like lemon curd or a dollop of whipped mascarpone. For an elegant afternoon treat, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable gift, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment, or stack and tie them with twine for the ultimate homemade favor. At a party, try alternating Lemon Lavender Cookies with other pastel treats—like mini pavlovas or raspberry macarons—for a striking dessert board that will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Lemon Lavender Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Their floral notes and zesty aroma will stay bright for days, making them a lovely treat to have on hand for impromptu guests or afternoon cravings.
Freezing
The unbaked dough can be shaped into a log, wrapped tightly, and frozen for up to three months—just slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies (without glaze) can also be frozen between layers of parchment paper; thaw and glaze just before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies a little warm, pop them (unglazed) in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Glazed cookies are best at room temperature, as reheating can cause the glaze to melt or become sticky.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Dried culinary lavender is best for baking, as it’s more potent and consistent. If you use fresh, double the amount and make sure it’s pesticide-free and suitable for cooking.
What’s the difference between culinary and regular lavender?
Culinary lavender is a specific type Dessert.
My dough is too sticky to roll—what should I do?
If your dough feels overly sticky, just chill it a bit longer. Well-chilled dough will be easier to roll out or slice.
Can I make Lemon Lavender Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. The cookies turn out beautifully light and flavorful.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
The key is thoroughly chilled dough; if you’re worried about spreading, pop the prepared cookies back in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and keeps the edges neat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Lemon Lavender Cookies enough! They’re a joy to make, a pleasure to share, and a guaranteed way to add a sprinkle of sunshine to any occasion. If you’re ready for a cookie that’s a little bit different—but oh so memorable—give them a try and let the floral-citrus magic win you over!
Print
Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes including chilling
- Yield: About 20–24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these aromatic Lemon Lavender Cookies. The perfect combination of citrusy lemon zest and fragrant dried lavender will transport you to a floral paradise with every bite. These delicate shortbread-style cookies are ideal for springtime tea parties or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon-Lavender Sugar: Grind the lemon zest with dried lavender into the granulated sugar to release oils.
- Cream the Butter: Cream the butter with the lemon-lavender sugar until smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dough: Gently mix in flour and salt until a cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape and Bake: Roll out the dough and cut into shapes or shape into a log and slice into cookies. Bake until just golden.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until smooth. Spoon over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Grind the lavender and zest together to intensify flavor.
- Chill dough thoroughly (30 minutes to overnight) to prevent spreading.
- Edges should only lightly brown when baked.
- Use culinary lavender and start with small amounts.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/British style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~86 kcal
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~54 mg
- Fat: ~5.5 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2.1 g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8.6 g
- Fiber: ~0.2 g
- Protein: ~0.8 g
- Cholesterol: ~14 mg
