Lavender Shortbread Cookies bring a delightful twist to the classic shortbread recipe, infusing it with a hint of floral lavender that adds a touch of elegance to every bite. These buttery, crumbly cookies are perfect for tea time, special gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. Below, you’ll find the full recipe, along with some helpful tips and tricks for baking success.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (Ensure the lavender is food-grade)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Add Flavorings:
Add the vanilla extract and dried lavender to the butter mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the lavender for a balanced floral taste.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so mix until the dough just comes together.
Chill the Dough:
Shape the dough into a log, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Slice and Bake:
Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set, resulting in a perfect texture.
Serving Tips:
Perfect with Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, especially herbal varieties like chamomile or green tea, which complement the lavender flavor.
Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a touch of elegance, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve with Fresh Lavender: If you’re serving these at a tea party or gathering, garnish the plate with sprigs of fresh lavender for a stunning presentation.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: Store lavender shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for an hour until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoid Humidity: To maintain their crisp, crumbly texture, keep these cookies in a cool, dry place. Humidity can make them soft or cause them to lose their distinct texture.
Related Recipes:
- Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
- Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea
- Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
FAQs:
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender, but it’s important to use culinary-grade lavender, as some varieties are grown with chemicals not meant for consumption. Use about twice the amount if substituting fresh for dried, as dried lavender is more concentrated in flavor.
What can I substitute for lavender if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have lavender, you can substitute other edible floral herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist. Alternatively, lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note that pairs well with the buttery shortbread.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is key to helping the cookies hold their shape. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, and if it’s a particularly warm day, consider chilling the baking sheet with the cookies on it for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.
Conclusion:
Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that add a sophisticated touch to any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with a cup of tea or packing them up as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of buttery richness and gentle floral notes makes them a memorable addition to your cookie repertoire.
📖 Recipe:
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Lavender Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lavender Shortbread Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with the subtle floral notes of culinary lavender. Perfect for tea time, special occasions, or as a delightful homemade gift, these cookies combine traditional shortbread richness with a unique aromatic twist. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, they offer a sophisticated flavor that brightens any day and impresses guests with their elegant appearance and taste.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract and dried lavender, ensuring the lavender is evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Shape dough into a log, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Slice and Bake: Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds, place on prepared baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use Culinary Lavender: Make sure to use food-grade lavender for a safe and delicious floral flavor.
Adjust Lavender to Taste: Lavender can be strong, so feel free to start with less and add more if desired.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European, British-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
