Lemon Lavender Cookies deliver a unique twist on traditional cookie flavors, combining the bright zest of lemons with the delicate floral notes of lavender. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a sophisticated taste that both delights the palate and elevates your dessert table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch for family gatherings, tea parties, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth at home.
Why We Love This Lemon Lavender Cookies
Lemon Lavender Cookies stand out for their aromatic and refreshing flavors. The bright, citrusy notes from the lemons balance beautifully with the subtle, fragrant taste of lavender, creating a cookie that feels both comforting and uplifting. Not only do these cookies taste wonderful, but their subtle elegance makes them perfect for serving at parties or special events. They come together quickly, making them a fantastic option for last-minute baking. Additionally, the soothing scent of lavender has calming properties, offering a sensory experience as well as a delightful treat. Each bite leaves you with a feeling of lightness, making them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts who appreciate gourmet flavors.
Ingredients for Lemon Lavender Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, dried
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried lavender. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined and a dough forms.
Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies
Serving Lemon Lavender Cookies can be a delightful experience, both for you and your guests. These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Try them with a herbal tea, a refreshing lemonade, or even a light coffee for a pleasant afternoon treat. When hosting a gathering, arrange them on a decorative plate or tiered stand. This presentation not only adds elegance but also invites guests to enjoy these cookies as a sophisticated snack. For themed events such as bridal showers or spring parties, consider adding edible flowers as garnish to enhance the aesthetic and highlight the floral notes of the cookies. You may also coat them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finish, or serve them alongside a lemony glaze for an added zing.
If you want to create a unique dessert spread, pair these cookies with lemon bars or mini tartlets to complement their flavor profile. Lemon Lavender Cookies are also excellent for gift-giving; package them in a lovely box tied with a ribbon, making them a charming homemade treat to share with friends and family.
Expert Tips for Lemon Lavender Cookies
To elevate your Lemon Lavender Cookies to the next level, consider these expert tips. First, when measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level technique to avoid packing it too tightly, which can lead to dry cookies. Additionally, choose high-quality culinary lavender for the best flavor; not all lavender is safe for consumption. When incorporating the lavender, rub the dried flowers between your fingers to release their oils and enhance the aroma before adding them to the dough.
For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the zest slightly; just take care not to add too much juice to avoid altering the cookie’s texture. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a slightly chewier texture. Keep an eye on them while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary; look for a light golden color around the edges. Finally, store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How to Store Lemon Lavender Cookies
Storing Lemon Lavender Cookies is easy and helps maintain their deliciousness. After your cookies cool completely, place them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale. If you live in a humid area, consider adding a small piece of bread or a few sugar packets inside the container, as they can help absorb excess moisture. You can keep the cookies at room temperature for about a week, ideal for enjoying at your leisure.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary. These can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh their texture.
Variations of Lemon Lavender Cookies
Experimenting with different variations of Lemon Lavender Cookies can be fun and rewarding. You might consider adding white chocolate chips or lemon-flavored chips to the dough for an extra burst of sweetness. Chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, can bring a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a tangy twist, consider adding a bit of lemon extract along with the juice for a more intense lemon flavor.
You can also explore a glaze to drizzle over the baked cookies. A simple mixture of powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of lavender extract can create a beautiful finish that enhances both flavor and presentation. For a playful touch, roll the cookie dough in granulated sugar before baking to give them a sparkly look. Lastly, if you love experimenting with herbal flavors, you can swap the lavender for another edible flower like chamomile or even a hint of rosemary for a more unique flavor profile.
FAQ about Lemon Lavender Cookies
You might have some questions about making Lemon Lavender Cookies. One common inquiry is about using fresh versus dried lavender. Dried culinary lavender is preferred since it brings a concentrated flavor and aroma. Fresh lavender might carry too much moisture and can be overpowering. Another frequently asked question is about how to adjust the recipe if you’re looking for a gluten-free version. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for texture.
Some bakers wonder if icing is necessary for these cookies. While they are delicious on their own, a light icing can enhance their elegance, especially for special occasions. Regarding the cookie texture, if you prefer a softer cookie, you could reduce baking time slightly; for a crunchier version, increase it just a bit. Lastly, keep in mind that the flavor may develop even further after a day, as the cookie absorbs the lavender’s essence, making them fantastic when made ahead of time.
Lemon Lavender Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Use the spoon-and-level technique to measure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, dried Rub between fingers to release oils.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar Cream with butter until light and fluffy.
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 each zest of 1 lemon For a more intense flavor, increase slightly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried lavender. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined and a dough forms.
- Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!