Let me introduce you to Lemon Lavender Cookies: a recipe that instantly transports you to a sunny spring afternoon with every delicate, buttery bite. These cookies are a revelation for anyone who loves a little floral twist paired with bright lemony freshness. Imagine the subtle aroma of lavender weaving through golden cookies, topped with a zesty glaze that sparkles in the sunlight. They’re sophisticated enough for tea parties yet simple enough for everyday snacking. Whether you’re a lavender lover or just looking for something unique, these cookies are the perfect treat to surprise and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Lavender Cookies comes from a handful of high-quality, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating the cookies’ signature lightness, lively citrus snap, and that delicious whisper of floral flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, tender base and helps the cookies hold their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them bake up golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Large egg: Adds structure and binds the dough together for perfect, uniform cookies.
- Lemon zest: Packs in intense citrus aroma and beautiful flecks of color throughout every bite.
- Fresh lemon juice: Lifts the flavor, balancing the sweetness and giving the cookies bright, tangy notes.
- Dried culinary lavender, finely chopped: Brings a gentle, perfumed flavor that makes these cookies so memorable—use food-grade for safety and best taste.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and ensures a soft crumb without being too delicate.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift for cookies that are light but not cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the cookies from being too sweet.
- Optional glaze (powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest): Drizzling the glaze adds a sparkling citrus finish and makes each cookie look irresistible.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This small step ensures your cookies will bake evenly and release easily when they’re perfectly golden. No sticking, no fuss—just easy cleanup later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and a little pale. This process makes your cookies beautifully tender and helps the sugar dissolve into the dough, so don’t rush this step. A hand mixer can get the job done in about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg, Lemon, and Lavender
Next, beat in the egg, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and finely chopped lavender. The kitchen will smell absolutely dreamy at this point—the bright citrus mixing with those calming floral notes. Make sure the mixture is well combined so each cookie sings with all those flavors.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together to evenly disperse everything. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix; stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour left.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Roll tablespoon-sized scoops of dough into balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass—no need to make them too thin; just a gentle press will do.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes; you’re looking for edges that are just turning golden while the centers remain pale and soft. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—the flavors continue to develop as they cool.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
If you’re opting for the glaze (highly recommended!), whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a little more zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the cooled cookies—the sweet-tart finish really elevates the Lemon Lavender Cookies to something special. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a pinch of chopped lavender on top of the glaze makes these cookies pop with color and hints at the flavors inside. Fresh edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar also add a little magic for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lemon Lavender Cookies with a pot of herbal tea, a chilled lemonade, or even a bubbly prosecco. For a dessert platter, serve them alongside fresh berries, lemon curd, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for ultimate indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies in a vintage tin for gifting, pile them high on a cake stand for a shower or brunch, or package them in cellophane bags tied with a sprig of dried lavender. They’re also beautiful served on a floral china plate for a classic afternoon tea vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lemon Lavender Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the glaze from sticking, layer parchment or wax paper between each layer. The floral and citrus flavors deepen a little with time, making day-two cookies just as delicious!
Freezing
You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls. For baked cookies, let them cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. If freezing dough, shape into balls, flatten, and freeze on a sheet before transferring to a bag—when ready to bake, add an extra minute or two to the baking time (no need to thaw first).
Reheating
If your cookies have been frozen, let them come to room temperature naturally, or pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes to refresh that just-baked taste. Glazed cookies may need a few minutes extra, but keep an eye so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for Lemon Lavender Cookies?
Fresh lavender can be used, but dried culinary lavender is more concentrated and consistent. If using fresh, double the amount and be sure it’s food-safe. Chop it very finely to avoid any woody texture.
How do I know if my lavender is food-grade?
Always look for packages labeled “culinary lavender” at specialty stores or online. Nurseries or craft stores may sell lavender varieties intended for decoration or fragrance, which shouldn’t be consumed.
Will the cookies taste soapy or overpoweringly floral?
When you stick with the recommended amount of chopped lavender, the cookies should taste gently floral—not soapy. If you’re worried, start with half the amount and increase to your taste after the first batch.
Is the glaze essential for Lemon Lavender Cookies?
The glaze is technically optional, but it truly takes the cookies from wonderful to wow. That sweet, tangy kick complements the lavender perfectly and adds a beautiful finish, especially for special events.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, well wrapped, for up to 48 hours. Let it warm slightly before shaping and baking; this also lets the flavors meld for even tastier cookies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that’s bright, floral, and just a little bit extraordinary, these Lemon Lavender Cookies are calling your name. I can’t wait for you to try them—let their charming flavors wow your friends, family, and most importantly, you! Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Lemon Lavender Cookies are a perfect blend of citrusy and floral flavors. The tender, buttery cookies are infused with the bright zest of lemon and the subtle fragrance of dried lavender, creating a unique and refreshing treat. Finished with a zesty lemon glaze, these cookies are ideal for any springtime gathering or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped lavender until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool and glaze: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Notes
- Use only food-grade culinary lavender for the best flavor and safety.
- For a stronger lavender flavor, increase to 1 ½ teaspoons, but start with less if you’re new to floral desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
