Lemon Lavender Cookies

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These Lemon Lavender Cookies are a delightful fusion of citrusy brightness and delicate floral notes. With a soft and buttery texture, each cookie is infused with the zesty aroma of lemon and the gentle fragrance of lavender, creating a truly aromatic and flavorful experience. The sweet lemon glaze adds an extra layer of freshness, making these cookies a perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings.

Ideal for tea parties, brunches, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of lemon and lavender brings a touch of sophistication to a classic cookie recipe, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, a glass of lemonade, or on their own for a little moment of indulgence.

Full Recipe:

2 sticks salted butter (at cool room temperature)

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 3-4 medium lemons)
2 tablespoons culinary lavender

1 large egg (at cool room temperature)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Lemon Lavender Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lavender extract (optional)
A few drops of purple food coloring

Additional lavender buds and lemon zest (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Set aside.
Using a large mixing bowl and a stand mixer, cream the butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lavender until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Mix in the egg until very well combined.

Using low speed, add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. The dough will seem slightly dry.
Use a small cookie scoop to drop 1-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball with your palms until 1/3 inch thick.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lavender extract until smooth. Add food coloring to achieve a soft lavender hue.
Spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with additional lavender buds and lemon zest if desired. Let the glaze set for 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 134 per cookie | Servings: 25 cookies

Ingredient Breakdown:

Butter: The base of these cookies is salted butter, which adds a rich, creamy texture and helps create that classic buttery crumb. It’s crucial to use butter at a cool room temperature to avoid over-spreading during baking.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.

Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest is the star of this recipe, imparting a vibrant citrus flavor that perfectly complements the floral notes of lavender.
Culinary Lavender: This unique ingredient adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lemon. Be sure to use culinary-grade lavender, as it’s safe for consumption and has a more delicate taste.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together, providing structure to the cookies. Ensure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.

All-Purpose Flour: The flour gives the cookies their shape and structure. Measuring it correctly is key to achieving the right texture—too much flour can make the cookies dense.
Cornstarch: This ingredient makes the cookies soft and gives them a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a tender crumb.

Glaze Ingredients: The glaze is a simple mixture of powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional lavender extract. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely finish to the cookies.

Baking Tips for Success:

Zesting and Juicing Lemons: Always zest your lemons before juicing them. Zesting after juicing can be challenging and may result in a loss of essential oils, which are key to the cookies’ flavor.
Measuring Flour: For best results, weigh your flour using a digital kitchen scale. If you don’t have a scale, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup.

Avoid Over-Mixing: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cookies around the 10-minute mark to avoid over-baking. They are ready when the edges are slightly golden and the center is just set.
Glazing: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before glazing. If the cookies are warm, the glaze will melt and become runny.

Variations and Customizations:

Citrus Swap: You can substitute the lemon zest and juice with other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit. Each fruit offers a different level of acidity and sweetness, giving the cookies a unique twist.
Lavender Extract: For a more pronounced lavender flavor, add a touch of lavender extract to the dough. Remember that a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
White Chocolate Chips: Mix 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips into the dough for an added layer of sweetness and texture.

Cookie Bars: Turn this recipe into cookie bars by pressing the dough into an 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes, cool, and then glaze for a delightful bar cookie experience.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea, especially herbal blends like chamomile or lavender tea, to enhance their floral notes.

Pair them with a glass of cold lavender lemonade for a refreshing afternoon treat.
These cookies also make an elegant addition to a dessert table at a bridal shower, baby shower, or springtime gathering.

Storage and Freezing Tips:

Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If stacking the cookies, place a layer of wax paper between them to prevent sticking.

Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

Quick and Easy: The recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any chilling time, making it a convenient choice for last-minute baking.
Unique Flavor: The combination of lemon and lavender offers a sophisticated and delightful taste that’s different from typical cookie recipes.

Beautiful Presentation: With a soft lavender-colored glaze and a sprinkle of lavender buds and lemon zest, these cookies look as good as they taste, making them perfect for gifting or special occasions.

Health Considerations:

Vegetarian: These cookies are naturally vegetarian-friendly.
Nut-Free: The recipe is nut-free, making it suitable for those with nut allergies (always double-check for cross-contamination if you’re serving someone with a severe allergy).

Gluten: This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but can be adapted to be gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Pair with Herbal Teas: The floral notes of the cookies pair well with herbal teas such as lavender, chamomile, or jasmine.
Citrus Flavors: Complement the lemon in the cookies by serving with other citrus-flavored desserts like lemon bars or a light citrus sorbet.

Cheese Boards: For a sophisticated twist, serve these cookies alongside a cheese board. The floral and citrus notes balance well with creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone.

The History of Lavender in Cooking:

Lavender has been used in culinary applications for centuries, particularly in Mediterranean and French cuisine. Known for its calming properties, lavender was traditionally used to add a floral note to sweet and savory dishes alike. In French cuisine, lavender is a key component of the herb blend “Herbes de Provence.” It’s been embraced in baking for its ability to infuse desserts with a subtle, aromatic flavor that is both unique and refreshing. Lemon, a universally loved citrus fruit, is often paired with lavender to balance its strong floral notes with bright, zesty acidity. Together, they create a harmonious flavor profile that is delicate yet vibrant.

Why Lemon and Lavender Make a Perfect Pair:

The combination of lemon and lavender in cookies is not just about flavor but also about aroma. Lemon brings a fresh, tangy brightness that cuts through the more intense, sometimes soapy notes of lavender. When used in the right proportion, lavender provides a gentle floral backdrop that enhances the lemon without overpowering it. This balance makes lemon and lavender a sophisticated pairing, adding an element of elegance to simple baked goods like cookies.

Occasions to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies:

Afternoon Tea: These cookies are an ideal accompaniment to afternoon tea, bringing a touch of class to any tea party.
Spring and Summer Gatherings: The floral and citrus notes make them perfect for spring and summer events such as garden parties, bridal showers, and picnics.
Gifting: Their delicate appearance and exquisite taste make these cookies an excellent homemade gift. Pack them in a beautiful tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful present.

Dessert Tables: Add these cookies to a dessert spread for a wedding, baby shower, or any celebration. Their unique flavor profile will stand out among more traditional offerings.

Creative Ways to Use Lemon Lavender Cookies:

Cookie Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies by filling them with a layer of lemon curd, vanilla buttercream, or a light lavender-infused cream.
Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the cookies over vanilla or lemon ice cream for an added crunch and flavor boost.

Edible Garnish: Use crushed lemon lavender cookies as an elegant garnish for desserts like panna cotta, lemon tart, or even a lemon lavender cake.

Getting the Most Flavor from Lavender:

Grinding Lavender: For an even distribution of lavender flavor, consider grinding the lavender buds with a small amount of sugar using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. This will release the oils in the lavender buds, intensifying their flavor and aroma.
Steeping Method: For a subtler lavender flavor, you can steep the lavender buds in the butter by melting the butter over low heat, adding the lavender, and allowing it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the lavender out and chill the butter until solid before using it in the recipe.

Enhancing the Lemon Flavor:

Boosting Citrus: For an extra punch of lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract or a few drops of food-grade lemon essential oil to the cookie dough.
Lemon Sugar: Make lemon sugar by rubbing the lemon zest into the granulated sugar with your fingers before adding it to the butter. This helps release the lemon’s essential oils, intensifying its flavor throughout the cookies.

Perfecting the Glaze:

Consistency: The key to the perfect glaze is its consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, thin it out with a few drops of lemon juice.

Adding Texture: For a bit of texture and a burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped candied lemon peel or crushed culinary lavender on top of the glaze before it sets.

Dietary Considerations:

Vegetarian: These cookies are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the cookie’s texture.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Opt for a high-quality vegan butter to retain the cookies’ rich and buttery flavor.
Reduced Sugar: To reduce sugar content, you can use a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar. Ensure the substitute can be used in a 1:1 ratio to sugar for baking.

Lavender’s Health Benefits:

Lavender is known for its calming properties and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. In culinary applications, it’s said to aid digestion and has been traditionally used to soothe headaches and promote relaxation. Although the amounts used in baking are small, they contribute to the sensory experience of the cookies, making them not just a treat for the palate but also for the mind.

Selecting and Storing Lavender:

Choosing Lavender: Always use culinary-grade lavender, as it’s grown without pesticides and is safe for consumption. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best variety for cooking due to its sweet and delicate flavor.
Storing Lavender: Store dried lavender in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to retain its fragrance and flavor for up to a year.

Pairing Beverages with Lemon Lavender Cookies:

Hot Beverages: The floral notes of lavender and the citrusy zest of lemon pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, which itself contains hints of bergamot, enhancing the cookies’ flavors. Herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, or mint are also excellent choices.

Cold Beverages: Serve these cookies with a refreshing glass of iced lavender lemonade or a chilled citrus-infused water for a delightful summer treat.
Wine Pairing: For a sophisticated touch, pair these cookies with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a light, floral wine such as a Riesling. The wine’s sweetness will balance the tartness of the lemon and complement the floral lavender notes.

Conclusion

Lemon Lavender Cookies are a delightful blend of citrus and floral flavors, offering a unique and sophisticated treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and versatile, these cookies combine the zest of lemon with the gentle aroma of lavender to create a soft, buttery bite that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress with their exquisite taste and beautiful presentation.