Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Vanilla Icing

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INTRODUCTION
Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Vanilla Icing is a delightful treat that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. These cookies are not only delicious but can also fit in a healthier lifestyle. With the fragrant lavender and sweet vanilla icing, they’re perfect for a special gathering or a cozy night in.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make a batch of these cookies to enjoy throughout the week, making them a good option for a quick snack or dessert. They also offer a lighter option compared to traditional cookies, allowing you to enjoy something sweet without derailing your health goals. Plus, they have a lovely flowery flavor that your taste buds will appreciate.

HOW TO MAKE Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Vanilla Icing

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Oven or Air fryer
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Sifter

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• ½ teaspoon culinary lavender
• ⅝ cup salted butter (room temperature)
• 3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour*
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 3 Tablespoons whole milk
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Cookies

1. Start by creaming the room temperature butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl until it is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

2. Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried lavender to the mixture. Beat until everything blends well.

3. Gradually sift in the flour, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Once a dough forms, divide it in half and shape each half into logs about 1-2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors to develop and makes slicing easier.

5. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

6. Slice the chilled dough into about ¼-inch thick cookies and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for baking.

7. Sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a nice finish.

8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack before icing.

Icing

1. While the cookies cool, make the vanilla icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

2. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the icing over the top of each cookie for that sweet touch.

HOW TO SERVE Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own or served with a cup of herbal tea for a lighter option. For portion control, serve them with a fruit platter, balancing the sweetness with the fresh flavors of your chosen fruits. It’s an enjoyable way to pair a treat with some healthy elements.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the unbaked cookie logs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight bag. When you’re ready to bake, just slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

For a balanced snack, consider serving these cookies with a side of low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt dip, adding protein and a bit of creaminess that pairs perfectly with the shortbread.

VARIATIONS

• Healthier Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber and nutrients, creating a healthier version of the cookies.
• High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: You can use almond flour and incorporate protein powder to create a high-protein, low-carb version of these cookies. This change will be gentler on your carbohydrate intake and boost protein levels.
• Air Fryer Version: If you want to use an air fryer for quicker baking, preheat it to 325°F (160°C) and cook the cookies for 8-10 minutes, checking regularly to avoid over-browning.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

2. Are these cookies diabetic-friendly?
By replacing granulated sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for baking, you can make these cookies more diabetic-friendly. Just ensure that the substitute can provide the right texture for baking.

3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. If frozen, they can last a couple of months.

4. Can I meal prep these cookies?
Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it, or freeze the logs. Then, slice and bake whenever you want a fresh cookie!

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slice and Bake Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Making this cookie dough ahead of time is an excellent time-saver. You can prepare the logs and keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you can bake fresh cookies as needed, allowing you to enjoy this treat throughout the week while sticking to your health goals. Enjoy your healthy baking adventure!

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