Lavender lemon cookies combine the bright citrus taste of lemon with the delicate floral notes of lavender, creating a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, allowing you to impress friends and family with your baking skills. With a balance of sweetness and a touch of sophistication, lavender lemon cookies are a unique addition to your dessert repertoire.
Why We Love This Lavender Lemon Cookies
Lavender lemon cookies offer a distinctive flavor profile that sets them apart from traditional cookies. The combination of lemon zest and lavender creates a refreshing taste that is both bright and aromatic. These cookies evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, thanks to the soothing qualities of lavender. They are perfect for tea parties, summer gatherings, or as a sweet treat during a quiet afternoon. Additionally, the beautiful presentation of these cookies, often adorned with icing or a sprinkle of sugar, makes them perfect for gifting or special occasions. The simplicity of the recipe allows bakers of all skill levels to enjoy creating and sharing these delightful cookies.
Ingredients for Lavender Lemon Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons culinary lavender buds
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and culinary lavender until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping the cookies easier.
- After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the balls in granulated sugar for a sweet sparkle.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone; they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Cookies
Lavender lemon cookies shine in various serving situations. For a delightful dessert spread, you can serve them alongside fresh fruit, particularly berries, which complement their citrus flavor beautifully. Consider pairing these cookies with a light herbal tea, such as chamomile or green tea, to enhance the floral notes of the lavender. For a charming presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and sprinkle some edible flower petals around them. If you’re throwing a garden party, these cookies can be a wonderful addition to your menu. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top for added sweetness and a beautiful finish. These cookies also make for thoughtful gifts, especially in a clear bag tied with a ribbon, perfect for holiday exchanges or as a gesture of appreciation.
Expert Tips for Lavender Lemon Cookies
To take your lavender lemon cookies to the next level, consider a few expert tips. First, make sure to use culinary lavender that is meant for cooking and baking, as not all lavender varieties are safe to eat. You can find culinary lavender at specialty food stores or online. Always crush the lavender buds slightly before adding them to the dough to release more flavor. When measuring the flour, use the spoon and level method to prevent dense cookies. Instead of packing the flour into the measuring cup, spoon it in and level it off with a knife for accuracy. For a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest or juice to the dough. Additionally, experimenting with the dough chilling time can yield different textures; a longer chill can produce denser cookies, while shorter times yield a lighter bite. Finally, do not skip the step of rolling the cookie dough in sugar before baking; it adds a lovely sweetness and a delightful crunch to the finished cookies.
How to Store Lavender Lemon Cookies
To keep your lavender lemon cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay at their best for about one week. If you anticipate needing to store them for a longer period, consider freezing the cookies. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, simply thaw it at room temperature for around 10-15 minutes. If you prefer warm cookies, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh their texture. Always make sure to label your container with the date, so you don’t lose track of how long they’ve been stored.
Variations of Lavender Lemon Cookies
While lavender lemon cookies are delightful as they are, there are numerous variations to explore. One tasty option is to incorporate different citrus flavors. Lime or orange zest can replace lemon zest, providing a unique twist while keeping the refreshing zestiness. For added texture, consider folding in some finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios. If you enjoy a more decadent treat, try adding white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the floral notes of lavender. For a fun presentation, you could shape the cookies using cookie cutters or roll out the dough to make sandwich cookies filled with lemon cream cheese icing. Experimenting with the balance between lavender and lemon enhances the overall flavor, giving you plenty of leeway to customize this recipe to your liking. You can also use different toppings, such as a light lemon glaze or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.
FAQ about Lavender Lemon Cookies
Lavender lemon cookies have grown in popularity, and you might wonder how to make them or what makes them so special. To start, many people ask if lavender is safe to eat. Yes, culinary lavender is safe and delicious in baked goods when used in moderation. You might also wonder about the best way to incorporate lavender into the recipe. Crushing the lavender buds slightly before adding them to the dough allows the flavor to infuse the cookies better. Another common question is about the ideal storage conditions. Keeping the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature preserves their freshness and flavor. If you have leftover dough, can you freeze it? Absolutely! You can scoop and freeze individual portions for baking on demand. Some bakers also want to know if substitutions are possible in the recipe. You can swap different types of citrus zests or even experiment with different kinds of flour, like almond or coconut flour, for gluten-free options. Lastly, many find themselves curious about whether they can make these cookies in advance. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to bake, making them perfect for special occasions or spontaneous gatherings.
Lavender Lemon Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons culinary lavender buds Use culinary lavender meant for cooking.
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- granulated sugar for rolling (optional) Adds sweetness and crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and culinary lavender until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls, then roll in granulated sugar if desired.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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