Name: Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (225 grams) salted butter, softened; ½ cup (60 grams) icing / powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ cup (68 grams) corn starch; 2 cups (260 grams) all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon dried organic lavender buds; Zest and juice of 1 large lemon; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (125 grams) icing sugar; Zest and juice of 1 large lemon; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re searching for a delicate, buttery treat that combines floral charm with bright citrusy notes, you’ve got to try this Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a tender crumb, perfectly balanced between the subtle perfume of dried lavender and the zingy freshness of lemon zest and juice. They come together with surprisingly simple ingredients but yield a sophisticated flavor that’s as elegant for a tea party as it is comforting alongside your afternoon coffee. Trust me, once you make them, these shortbread cookies will become an irresistible staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden surface with several bowls and two whole lemons arranged neatly. In the top right, there is a white bowl filled with small cubes of pale yellow butter. Below it, another white bowl holds a mound of fine white powder, likely powdered sugar. To the left of these bowls is a clear glass bowl filled with a heap of fine white flour. Below the glass bowl, there are three small white dishes: one with coarse white sugar, one with dried lavender buds that are purple and textured, and one with another white powder, possibly cornstarch or flour. In the top left corner, a bouquet of mixed pastel-colored flowers adds a soft touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe lies in how each simple ingredient plays a unique role to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture and fragrant flavor. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the cornstarch that adds tenderness, every component is essential.

Butter (1 cup, softened): The star for that luscious, soft texture and buttery taste that shortbread is famous for.
Icing/Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Adds subtle sweetness and helps achieve tenderness without grittiness.
Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Provides a bit of texture and works beautifully when blended with lemon and lavender to infuse flavor.
Cornstarch (½ cup): Key for a crumbly, delicate bite that melts on your tongue.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The sturdy foundation that holds everything together.
Dried Organic Lavender Buds (1 tablespoon): Adds that enchanting floral aroma and subtle herbal note that makes these cookies special.
One Large Lemon (zest and juice): Brings bright, refreshing citrus zing, balancing the buttery richness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the cookie base.
Optional Lemon Icing: Combining icing sugar, lemon zest and juice, and vanilla for a glossy, flavorful finish.

How to Make Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Flavored Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C) so it’s ready when your dough is perfect. Next, create the heart of your cookie’s flavor by grinding together granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest and juice, plus dried lavender buds. Using a mortar and pestle is ideal to gently release their flavors, but a food processor or blender works well too. This lavender lemon sugar will infuse every bite with an irresistible aroma and brightness.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Lavender Lemon Sugar

Beat the softened butter with your freshly made lavender lemon sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined. This step is key to trapping air that helps your cookies stay tender yet delightfully crumbly.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, then gradually mix them into the butter mixture. The sift prevents lumps, ensuring a smooth dough. The cornstarch is what makes these cookies feel ultra-light with a tender snap.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Here’s where your hands come into play! Mix the dough with your fingers to fully incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until a cohesive ball forms. You can chill the dough now if you want, but it’s not essential. This dough is forgiving and ready to shape right away.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough to about one-third of an inch thick. For added artistry, use an embossed rolling pin to press gentle patterns, then cut into your favorite shortbread shapes using cutters. The visual appeal of these cookies matches their heavenly flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes. If you prefer them with a golden, crispier edge, leave them in a few minutes longer—but be careful not to overbake. The cookies should remain pale with a nice crumbly texture, signature of perfect shortbread.

Step 7: Cool and Ice

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the optional lemon icing by mixing icing sugar with lemon zest, fresh juice, and vanilla until smooth and slightly runny. Dip the tops of your cookies carefully into the glaze, then place them back on the rack to dry for up to an hour. This icing brings an extra burst of citrus brightness and a shiny finish that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe

A white bowl holds three separate piles of ingredients: bright yellow lemon zest on the left, coarse white sugar granules on the right, and small purple dried flowers at the top center. The bowl is slightly scalloped at the edges and sits on a wooden surface with a soft focus of a halved lemon to the right and blurred colorful flowers in the background. The photo has soft natural light and a calm, warm tone. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are already a feast for the senses, but adding a light dusting of edible lavender petals or a tiny twist of lemon zest right before serving elevates their presentation beautifully. This touch adds color and hints at the key flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies pair marvelously with a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, highlighting their botanical notes. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream or lemon curd that complements the citrusy lemon essence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a gift or party platter, arrange these cookies stacked or layered with parchment paper and tie with a sprig of fresh lavender or a lemon slice for a charming, rustic look. Plated simply with a small bowl of lemon glaze for dipping invites everyone to enjoy an interactive and delightful snack experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and maintain their delicate texture for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead option for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully, whether iced or plain. Layer them carefully in an airtight container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, allow them to thaw gently at room temperature to keep their tender crumb intact.

Reheating

Shortbread cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm cookie, pop a few in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes at a low temperature to regain a just-baked feel. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy rather than crumbly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this recipe?

Dried lavender buds are best for baking because they offer concentrated flavor without adding moisture. Fresh lavender can sometimes be too strong or grassy and may affect the texture, so stick to dried for the perfect balance.

Is it necessary to make the lemon-lavender sugar first?

Yes! Grinding the sugars with lemon zest, juice, and lavender helps to infuse the flavors evenly throughout your dough, creating that signature bright and floral cookie taste that sets this recipe apart.

Can I skip the lemon icing on these cookies?

Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own thanks to the lemon and lavender in the dough, but the icing adds a lovely extra citrus kick and a pretty finish if you’re looking for a bit of extra flair.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it’s too warm. Rolling the dough to the right thickness (about one-third inch) and using cornstarch also helps maintain their shape.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can experiment using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary depending on the blend’s properties. The texture might be slightly different, but the wonderful lavender lemon flavor will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of lavender and lemon in these shortbread cookies, turning a classic treat into a memorable experience. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing this Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe as I do. Once you try it, these tender, fragrant cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

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