Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

Lemon Lavender Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the subtle floral notes of lavender. These cookies are light, fragrant, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The lemon adds a fresh, citrusy punch, while the lavender brings a unique and calming flavor, making these cookies a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving them for an afternoon tea or simply craving a delicious, aromatic snack, these cookies will certainly impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Combination: The marriage of lemon and lavender creates a delightful flavor that’s both refreshing and soothing.
2. Light and Tender Texture: These cookies have a soft and slightly chewy texture, perfect for a delicate dessert.
3. Aromatically Fragrant: The lavender infuses the cookies with a lovely, calming fragrance that enhances the overall experience.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions: With their elegant flavor and appearance, these cookies are ideal for serving at bridal showers, tea parties, or any gathering.
5. Quick and Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated flavor profile, these cookies are simple to make with just a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Lavender buds (dried and culinary-grade)
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Variations

• Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cookies for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Add Nuts: Finely chopped almonds or pistachios can be added to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for a more savory twist.
• Sugar Coating: Roll the cookie dough balls in coarse sugar before baking for a sweet and crunchy finish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Lavender

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue to beat until combined. Gently fold in the dried lavender buds, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Add the Egg

Add the egg and beat until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Flatten the Dough (Optional)

For a more uniform shape, gently flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers. This will help the cookies bake evenly.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Culinary Lavender: Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender, which is safe to eat. Other types of lavender may be treated with chemicals and not suitable for consumption.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape.
• Adjust the Lemon: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest or juice, but be careful not to overpower the lavender.

How to Serve

• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Their light, fragrant flavor is a perfect match for afternoon tea.
• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as a refreshing, light dessert after a meal. Their citrusy flavor and delicate texture make them a lovely way to finish off a dinner party.
• As a Gift: Pack the cookies in a decorative box or jar and give them as a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and soft if stored properly.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use lavender extract instead of dried lavender buds?

It’s best to use dried culinary lavender for the most authentic flavor. If you prefer to use lavender extract, use only a few drops, as it can be potent.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

4. How can I make the cookies more lemony?

Add extra lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon juice to the dough for a stronger lemon flavor. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies.

5. Can I add other herbs?

Yes, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary, but make sure to use them in smaller amounts to avoid overpowering the lemon flavor.

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

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, and the centers should look set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

7. How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

8. Can I use dried lemon zest instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon zest provides the best flavor, but dried lemon zest can be used if fresh is unavailable. The taste may not be as vibrant.

9. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free option and replace the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg to make them vegan.

10. Can I make these cookies bigger?

Yes, you can make larger cookies, but be sure to adjust the baking time. Larger cookies may require an extra 2-3 minutes of baking.

Conclusion

Lemon Lavender Cookies are a perfect combination of bright citrus and fragrant lavender, creating a delicate and aromatic treat. They’re easy to make, light, and refreshing—perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon snacks to elegant dessert platters. With their unique flavor profile, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking collection. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a sweet gift for a loved one!

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