Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that blends the zing of lemon with the soothing essence of lavender. These cookies are light, crumbly, and have a unique flavor that will impress anyone who tastes them. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack anytime. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these delicious cookies at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for several reasons. First, it is very easy to make. Even if you are a beginner in baking, you can follow the simple steps and enjoy great results. Second, the combination of lemon and lavender creates a refreshing flavor that is different from many other cookies. It is a treat for your taste buds. Third, these cookies are great for sharing. You can pack them up and give them to friends or family. Finally, the smell of these cookies baking is heavenly. Your kitchen will smell wonderful as they cook, making everybody eager to try them.

HOW TO MAKE Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Making Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies is an enjoyable process. You only need a few ingredients and common kitchen tools. Let’s go through the steps together.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, you will need the following equipment:

• 1 Electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Spatula
• Freezer-safe container (for storing)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• ½ cup (4 oz or 1 stick) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
• ¾ tsp culinary lavender
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅛ tsp Kosher or fine sea salt

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the unsalted butter and white granulated sugar. Mix on medium-low for about 1 minute. You want to see that the sugar is completely mixed with the butter.
4. Add Flavorings: With the mixer still on low, carefully add the pure vanilla extract, lemon zest, and culinary lavender. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: Now, add the all-purpose flour and Kosher salt. Mix for about 1 minute. If needed, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. The dough should look crumbly but still hold together when pinched.
6. Form the Dough: Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, form the dough into a flat disk. If the dough is too soft, you can refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
7. Roll the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about 10 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick.
8. Cut Out Shapes: Use a 2.5-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. Carefully remove the cutouts with a spatula and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Use Remaining Dough: Gather the remaining scraps to re-roll and cut out more cookie shapes. Repeat this process until you use up all the dough.
10. Freeze the Cookies: Place the cut cookies in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while baking.
11. Bake: After 15 minutes, remove the cookies from the freezer and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. They should look set and the edges will be slightly browned.
12. Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before serving. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature. You can place them on a nice plate and enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. They are also great for special occasions. If you want to impress your guests, serve them with a small dish of lemon curd or a light glaze on top.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, you can store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To eat, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are very versatile. You can serve them plain as a simple treat. If you want a little extra sweetness, drizzle a light icing made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top. You can also serve them along with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a fancy dessert. Pairing them with your favorite tea or coffee enhances their taste even more.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest. You can also try using other herbs or flavors, like rosemary or mint, to create a different experience. For a sweeter version, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking. Experimenting with different flavors can make each batch unique and fun.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may change the flavor slightly. If you do, omit the additional salt in the recipe.

2. Where can I buy culinary lavender? Culinary lavender can be found in many grocery stores, especially in the spice section. You can also buy it online.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking. Just make sure to wrap it well.

4. Are these cookies gluten-free? No, the recipe includes all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Making these cookies ahead of time is simple. You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can roll out and cut the cookies, then freeze them before baking. Just place the cut cookies in the freezer on a baking sheet first, and then transfer them to a container once they are firm. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want!

These tips make it easy to have Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies ready for guests, special occasions, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Enjoy your baking!

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