These iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, refreshing flavors of lemon with the fragrant, floral notes of lavender. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base is perfectly complemented by a simple glaze, making these cookies ideal for any occasion. Whether served at a tea party, as a gift, or enjoyed as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried lavender.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before icing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Lemon Only: If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can skip the dried lavender and make these cookies with just lemon for a more traditional shortbread flavor.
- Lavender Glaze: Add a few drops of lavender extract to the icing for a stronger lavender flavor.
- Lemon Icing: For an extra lemony touch, you can make the icing with lemon juice instead of water and add a bit of lemon zest to the glaze.
- Herb Substitutes: If you prefer a different floral note, you can substitute lavender with dried chamomile or rosemary.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen before or after icing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Shortbread cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you freeze them, you can thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I make these cookies without lavender? Yes, you can make the cookies without lavender, or replace it with another herb or spice such as rosemary or vanilla.
- What can I use instead of powdered sugar? Powdered sugar provides the right texture for shortbread cookies, but if needed, you can substitute with granulated sugar, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used, it may affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter is recommended for the best taste and consistency.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month before baking.
- Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough? Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just be aware that the cookies may spread more during baking.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper? You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet as an alternative to parchment paper.
- Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried? Fresh lavender can be used, but it should be finely chopped and used in smaller quantities since it has a stronger flavor than dried lavender.
- Can I use store-bought shortbread dough? Yes, if you prefer a shortcut, you can use store-bought dough and simply add the lemon zest and lavender to customize it.
- How thick should I slice the dough? Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds to ensure they bake evenly and crisp up without becoming too thick or doughy.
- How can I make these cookies more festive? You can decorate the cookies with colored sprinkles, drizzle with additional icing, or top with candied lemon peel for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Conclusion
Iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies are a sophisticated yet simple treat that blends the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon with the subtle floral essence of lavender. The buttery texture of the shortbread makes them irresistible, while the lemon glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply enjoy a moment of indulgence, these cookies are the perfect choice. Easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, they will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.