There is something truly magical about combining bright citrus and delicate floral notes to create a bite-sized moment of happiness, which is exactly what the Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe delivers. These soft, buttery cookies offer a wonderfully balanced blend of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender, making every bite a little celebration of springtime joy and warmth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a fresh twist on classic sugar cookies, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe are refreshingly simple yet thoughtfully chosen to achieve perfect flavor, texture, and aroma. From the creamy butter that ensures softness to the finely crushed lavender that brings that unique floral essence, every component plays an essential role.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb for melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crispness along the edges.
- Lemon zest (from 1 large lemon): Infuses the dough with fresh citrus brightness that awakens the senses.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the dough and ensures a soft but sturdy texture.
- Dried culinary lavender (1 tablespoon, lightly crushed): Brings a subtle, fragrant floral note without overpowering the lemon.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Optional granulated sugar: For rolling, adds a slight sparkle and crunch on the outside.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is key to preventing sticking and ensuring even baking for those perfectly golden edges you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and fragrant. This process incorporates air, laying the foundation for soft, airy cookies with bursts of lemon in every bite.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is smoothly combined. This step ensures your dough has the right moisture balance and that lovely vanilla undertone that rounds out all the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, lightly crushed dried culinary lavender, baking powder, and salt. Separating the dry ingredients helps distribute the lavender and rising agents evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen your cookies, so be gentle here—this is how they stay tender and soft after baking.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If you want an added touch of sparkle and slight crunch, roll the balls in extra granulated sugar. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets, then gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to about half an inch thick.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin turning a soft golden hue. This slight browning ensures the cookies are cooked through but not dry, and the lavender and lemon notes are delightfully preserved.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set up properly and keeps their tender texture intact. Once cooled, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Lemon Lavender Cookies!
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your cookies visually and add an elegant sweetness. For an extra burst of lemon zest or lavender petals, sprinkle fresh lemon zest or a few edible lavender buds over the cooled cookies.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea, chamomile, or Earl Grey, enhancing the floral and citrus notes. For a brunch or dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or lemon sorbet to complement the refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies tied with a rustic twine ribbon for a charming gift idea, or arrange them on a floral-patterned platter at your next garden party. Drizzling a thin lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled cookies adds a glossy finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Lemon Lavender Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This maintains their softness while preserving all those delicate flavors. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies’ soft texture, warm individual cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop a few in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This slight reheating revives their just-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe?
It’s best to stick with dried culinary lavender because fresh lavender can be too potent and contain excess moisture that affects cookie texture. Make sure you use culinary-grade lavender to avoid any unwanted bitterness or additives.
Can I substitute lemon zest with lemon extract?
Lemon zest provides fresh, natural oils that really brighten the cookie flavor and add texture. Lemon extract can be used but should be added sparingly since it is more concentrated and lacks the zest’s aromatic oils.
How can I make these cookies more lemony?
For a stronger lemon punch, consider adding a drizzle of lemon glaze after baking made from powdered sugar mixed with a little lemon juice. You can also increase the lemon zest by half a teaspoon for a noticeable citrus boost.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it isn’t gluten-free as is. However, you could experiment using a gluten-free baking blend, but be aware it might slightly change the texture and spread of the cookies.
What’s the best way to crush dried lavender for this recipe?
Place the dried lavender in a small bowl and gently crush it with your fingers or a mortar and pestle. This releases the aromatic oils but avoids pulverizing it into powder, which could make the flavor too intense.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the cozy and elegant charm of the Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe to brighten your day and delight your taste buds. From the first zesty bite to the subtle floral finish, these cookies make every moment a little sweeter and more special. I truly hope you give this recipe a whirl and enjoy baking these delightful treats as much as I enjoy sharing them.
Print
Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fragrant Lemon Lavender Cookies, a perfect blend of zesty lemon and floral lavender for a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies. Soft and buttery with a subtle floral note, these cookies are ideal for springtime treats, afternoon tea, or anytime you crave a light, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (lightly crushed)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and well combined, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, lightly crushed dried culinary lavender, baking powder, and salt to evenly disperse the ingredients.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to tough cookies.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and gently flatten each slightly using the bottom of a glass or your fingers for even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden, indicating perfectly baked cookies.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade lavender only, as regular lavender can be too strong or contain additives that affect flavor.
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
