If you’re looking for a cookie experience that feels like a gentle spring breeze wrapped in sunny sweetness, then this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delicate treats combine the bright zing of lemon with the subtle floral notes of lavender, sandwiched between tender, buttery cookies and a luscious creamy filling. Every bite invites a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both elegant and delightfully comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are bound to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating those unforgettable Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies. From fragrant lavender buds to zesty lemon, every item contributes to the cookie’s signature flavor, while the butter and powdered sugar keep the texture silkily smooth and delightfully tender.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookies, providing structure and a sturdy canvas for flavors.
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely chopped: Adds a subtle floral aroma and a unique, gentle flavor.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Brings a bright, citrusy lift that balances the sweetness.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft crumb.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for dough): Adds richness and tenderizes the cookie texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dough): Sweetens without graininess, keeping the dough smooth.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for a tender bite.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Amplifies the citrus notes and adds a touch of tang.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Provides a creamy richness for the filling.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens and thickens to create a smooth texture.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for filling): Keeps the filling bright and balanced.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling): Adds subtle warmth to the filling.
- ½ tsp dried lavender, finely chopped (for filling): Infuses a delicate floral note into the creamy center.
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream: Adjusts the filling to the perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper — this simple prep work ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, finely chopped lavender, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these together helps distribute everything uniformly, so each cookie carries that perfect blend of floral and citrus flavors.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This step is key for a light, tender cookie base and gives the dough a heavenly smoothness that makes rolling and shaping a breeze.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg, Vanilla, and Lemon Juice
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture. These ingredients add moisture, flavor depth, and a slight tang that complements the lavender beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. The result is a soft, cohesive dough that holds its shape but remains tender when baked.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced out on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with a fork or your fingers. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start turning golden. Let them cool completely — patience here is key to avoid breaking the delicate cookies.
Step 7: Make the Lavender Lemon Filling
While the cookies cool, whip together the butter and powdered sugar for the filling until fluffy. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and finely chopped lavender. Add heavy cream tablespoon by tablespoon to reach a creamy, spreadable texture perfect for sandwiching.
Step 8: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies
Spread a generous dollop of your luscious filling onto the flat side of one cookie and gently press another cookie on top to form a perfect sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired, creating beautiful bites that burst with flavor from every angle.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra dried lavender petals or a tiny pinch of lemon zest on top of each sandwich cookie for a delightful visual pop and an extra hint of fragrance. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, snowy finish that invites a closer look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea or a light citrusy green tea that enhances their floral and lemon notes. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of chilled whipped cream to add a creamy, juicy element to your snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe in a charming vintage tin or place them on a tiered dessert stand for a beautiful presentation perfect for afternoon tea or a garden party. You can individually wrap them in parchment paper tied with a thin lavender ribbon, making them lovely edible gifts that show thoughtful care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your sandwich cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain the tender texture of the cookies and the creamy consistency of the filling without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these delightful cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag once frozen. They will keep well for up to two months. When ready, simply thaw them at room temperature—no reheating needed!
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid reheating in the microwave or oven as the delicate filling could melt or the cookies could become too soft. If you prefer them a bit cooler, chilling gently in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving will refresh their texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender can be more pungent and moist, which might affect the cookie texture. It’s best to use dried culinary lavender finely chopped, as the recipe intends for a delicate, balanced flavor without altering the dough consistency.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the filling?
If heavy cream is not on hand, a small amount of milk or half-and-half can be used to adjust the filling’s consistency, but keep it minimal to avoid making the filling too runny.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly, but the essential lemon lavender essence will still shine through.
How can I make the lemon flavor more pronounced?
If you want a bolder lemon punch, increase the lemon zest to 2 teaspoons and add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice in the filling. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, which could affect the cookie texture.
Can I decorate these cookies for special occasions?
Absolutely! These cookies provide a beautiful base for delicate decorations. Consider using edible gold leaf, colored icing, or simply a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch that suits weddings, showers, or holiday celebrations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe brings together bright citrus and soft floral notes in such a tender, buttery package. Baking these cookies feels like crafting a little moment of joy that you can hold in your hand, perfect for sharing or savoring alone with a good book or cup of tea. Give them a try—you’ll soon find these charming sandwiches becoming one of your favorite go-to recipes for when you want to impress or simply indulge yourself.
Print
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies 1x
Description
These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies combine delicate floral notes of dried lavender with bright, zesty lemon flavor in a soft, buttery cookie sandwich filled with a creamy lemon-lavender frosting. Perfectly balanced and lightly sweetened, these charming cookies are ideal for afternoon tea or as a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp dried lavender, finely chopped
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, finely chopped dried lavender, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Then mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a smooth dough.
- Roll & Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with a fork or your fingers. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden. Remove and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Filling: Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon juice, vanilla extract, and finely chopped lavender. Add heavy cream slowly, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the lemon lavender filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie. Press gently to adhere.
- Serve & Store: These cookies can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade dried lavender to ensure a pleasant flavor, not overpowering or bitter.
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the filling to get your preferred spreadable consistency.
- Cookies can be frozen before assembling sandwiches; thaw completely before adding filling.
- Make sure cookies are completely cooled before adding the filling to avoid melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
