If you’ve ever dreamed of a treat that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious, these Lemon Lavender Cookies are just the thing to enchant your taste buds! With a perfect harmony of zesty lemon and delicate floral notes, each bite feels like a burst of spring on your palate. The soft, buttery crumb and subtle aroma transform a simple cookie into a little moment of luxury. Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea or just seeking a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies promise to be a fragrant delight you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Lavender Cookies lies in their beautiful simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role in creating that ethereal flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives these cookies their irresistibly tender crumb and rich flavor—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cookies and helps them bake up with just the right amount of chewy edges.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of extra silkiness to the dough, ensuring every bite is soft and delicate.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a bit of structure for just the right cookie bite.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packs a fragrant punch, infusing the dough with bright, citrusy oils.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings tang and freshness, perfectly balancing the sweetness and floral notes.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to complement both lemon and lavender.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cookie, creating a soft yet sturdy base.
- Dried culinary lavender, finely chopped (1 tablespoon): The star ingredient! Choose food-grade lavender for a gentle, aromatic flavor that’s never soapy.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a light lift, so they’re not too dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for balancing the flavors and making those vibrant notes pop.
- Optional additional sugar for rolling: Try rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking for a sparkly, sweet exterior.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully warmed for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and guarantees easy cleanup, leaving you plenty of time to savor your homemade Lemon Lavender Cookies (and maybe sneak a few bites of dough)!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This crucial step whips air into the dough and lays the foundation for a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so special.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients for Flavor
Beat in the large egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This combo infuses your dough with zesty brightness, subtle floral undertones, and a hint of warmth that transforms these cookies into a sensory delight.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, gently whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped dried culinary lavender, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, so your cookies rise just right and every bite is balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the cookies tough—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. The moment you spot those occasional lavender specks, you know you’re on the right track!
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll them into balls between your palms. For an extra sparkly finish, roll each ball in a little more granulated sugar, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving room to spread. Lightly flatten each ball with your palm—the perfect shape for Lemon Lavender Cookies’ signature tender texture.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for those edges to just begin turning golden. Don’t overbake, as you want the centers to stay soft and nearly shortbread-like. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, letting the enchanting aroma fill your kitchen as they finish setting up.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies
Garnishes
A simple finishing touch goes a long way—try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of lemon glaze (just powdered sugar mixed with a little lemon juice), or even a few extra lavender buds for a lovely, understated flourish. These little touches make your Lemon Lavender Cookies look as if they came straight from a fancy bakery.
Side Dishes
Lemon Lavender Cookies shine beside a cup of herbal tea, a frothy latte, or a crisp iced lemonade. Pairing them with lightly sweetened berries or a scoop of lemon sorbet elevates the experience, transforming snack time into a refreshing, flavor-packed affair.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies high on a glass cake stand, tuck them into a pretty tin for gifts, or even spear a few onto wooden skewers for a whimsical cookie bouquet. Tie a pastel ribbon around a bundle or display them alongside edible flowers—these thoughtful little details make sharing Lemon Lavender Cookies even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Lemon Lavender Cookies fresh by storing any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft, fragrant, and delicious for up to five days, making them ideal for savoring throughout the week or popping into lunchboxes for a midday pick-me-up.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly wonders! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll taste freshly baked for up to three months—simply thaw on the counter when you’re ready for another dreamy cookie moment.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, warm your cookies for about 5–10 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a low oven for a minute or two. This gentle reheating not only makes your Lemon Lavender Cookies wonderfully fresh but also brings out the full aroma of lemon and lavender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender can be used, but you’ll need to double the quantity since dried herbs are more potent. Ensure the lavender is culinary-grade and free from pesticides. Finely chop before adding to the dough for a gentle floral presence.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help if your kitchen is warm or your butter is very soft. This gives the cookies a neater shape and a thicker, chewier texture—perfect for Lemon Lavender Cookies.
Are these cookies safe for children?
Absolutely! The amount of lavender here is subtle, and culinary-grade lavender is safe to eat. If you’re new to floral flavors, you can reduce the amount in your first batch until everyone gets used to the unique taste.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, simply swap in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The cookies should still be tender, soft, and beautifully flavored with lemon and lavender.
What’s the best way to give these cookies as a gift?
Line a pretty box or tin with parchment, layer the cookies carefully, and tie the container with a ribbon. Including a handwritten note and maybe a small packet of tea makes your Lemon Lavender Cookies gift extra charming and thoughtful.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and treat yourself—the aroma and taste of Lemon Lavender Cookies are truly something special. Every batch is a reason to pause, savor, and share something beautiful. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Print
Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Lavender Cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of citrusy lemon flavor and fragrant lavender. They’re buttery, tender, and ideal for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- Optional additional sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped lavender, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and optionally roll in additional sugar. Flatten slightly with your palm.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use only culinary-grade lavender for safe consumption.
- These cookies freeze well and make great gifts.
- For a sweeter finish, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
