If you have ever dreamed of a cookie that melts in your mouth with just the right hint of floral elegance, then this Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe is the one to try. These buttery, crumbly delights are infused with the subtle, aromatic touch of dried culinary lavender, making them a perfect balance of sweet and fragrant. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a unique twist on a classic treat, these cookies will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor that define these lavender shortbread cookies. From the rich unsalted butter to the delicate vanilla, every component harmonizes beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base and essential buttery flavor that shortbread is known for.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds smooth sweetness and contributes to the delicate crumb of the cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough giving structure without overpowering the tender texture.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds a lovely softness and prevents toughness often found in cookies.
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender: The star ingredient that infuses the dough with its gentle floral aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the overall taste experience.
How to Make Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for the delicate texture of your shortbread cookies, so take your time and enjoy the fluffy transformation.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Next, stir in the vanilla extract and dried lavender. Make sure the lavender is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture so that every cookie bursts with that beautiful, subtle floral scent and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and salt together. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, combining just until the dough comes together. Be gentle to keep the dough tender and crumbly.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a log shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a soft golden color. The smell that fills your kitchen at this moment is pure magic.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This way, they firm up just right and are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Serve Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a tiny pinch of extra dried lavender or a dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving can elevate the cookies’ presentation while enhancing their delicate floral notes. It’s a simple touch that adds elegance and makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with light, fragrant teas such as Earl Grey or chamomile. For a creamier option, serve alongside a small dish of lemon curd or a mild honey to complement the lavender’s floral sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a pretty jar or wrapping them in parchment tied with a lavender sprig for charming homemade gifts. You can also sandwich a thin layer of honey buttercream or lemon glaze between two cookies to create delightful lavender cookies sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe fresh and delicious, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to one week, perfect for enjoying throughout the days ahead.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze sliced, raw dough logs wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready, just slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Although these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, if you prefer warm cookies, reheat them gently in a low oven for 3-5 minutes. Be careful as they can quickly become too soft or dry if left too long.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for the cookies?
Fresh lavender has a higher moisture content and a more intense flavor, so it’s best to stick with dried culinary lavender for this recipe to avoid altering the texture and bitterness of your cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may change slightly.
How strong is the lavender flavor in these cookies?
The lavender flavor is subtle yet noticeable, perfectly balancing the buttery sweetness without overpowering the palate, making it approachable even for those new to floral flavors.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a hint of lemon zest for brightness or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra texture; just keep the lavender as the star to maintain its signature charm.
What’s the best way to crush dried lavender for baking?
To release the most aroma, gently crumble the dried lavender buds between your fingers or pulse briefly in a spice grinder before adding to the dough, ensuring it blends evenly throughout.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe is like filling your kitchen with a little touch of floral sunshine. It’s a simple, elegant treat that surprises and delights every time. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to comfort cookie to share with friends and family. So grab your ingredients, embrace the lovely scent of lavender, and bake some warm happiness today!
Print
Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and buttery Lavender Shortbread Cookies infused with aromatic dried culinary lavender for a subtle floral flavor. Perfectly crisp yet tender, these cookies are a delightful treat to accompany tea or to enjoy any time of day.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial to create a tender texture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and dried culinary lavender thoroughly, ensuring that the lavender is evenly incorporated throughout the butter mixture to impart that fragrant floral note evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen the cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log shape and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale for the perfect shortbread texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure to use dried culinary lavender specifically to avoid bitterness.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep your cookies tender and crumbly.
- Storing the dough chilled makes slicing cleaner and prevents misshapen cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.
