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
Scale
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.
