Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

Fresh Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe: Dreamy Summer Treat

Delicate lemon lavender cookies bring a whimsical touch to your afternoon tea ritual.

Fragrant herbs mingle with citrusy notes, creating a sophisticated treat.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to burst through each delicate bite.

Soft and crumbly textures promise a memorable experience.

Baking these delightful morsels requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Sweet memories of sunny gardens will dance across your palate.

Surprise your taste buds with this elegant, refreshing recipe that transforms an ordinary moment into something magical.

  • Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried culinary-grade lavender buds. Just crush them finely before adding to the recipe to release maximum flavor.

  • How do I know if my lavender is food-safe?

Always purchase lavender specifically labeled for culinary use. Avoid decorative or garden lavender, which might be treated with chemicals not safe for consumption.

  • What if I don't have fresh lemon zest?

You can substitute with bottled lemon extract, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Fresh lemon zest provides the brightest, most authentic citrus taste.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Why Lemon Lavender Cookies Are a Fragrant Treat

  • Super quick and easy recipe that even beginner bakers can master without stress.
  • Delightful cookies that bring everyone together with their unique lemon and lavender flavor profile, perfect for afternoon snacks or casual gatherings.
  • Elegant enough for tea parties yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment, these cookies adapt to multiple social settings with grace.
  • Combines unexpected ingredients like lavender and lemon, creating a sophisticated taste experience that surprises and delights taste buds with minimal ingredient complexity.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Lavender Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich flavor and tender texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, crisp cookie structure.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
  • Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy flavor that adds freshness and aroma.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates the classic cookie texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Crushed Lavender: Adds delicate floral notes and unique aromatic quality. Choose dried culinary lavender for best flavor and avoid using too much to prevent overpowering taste.

How to Bake Lemon Lavender Cookies at Home

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy, pale, and wonderfully fluffy. The goal is to create a smooth, light base that will give your cookies a delicate texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • Egg
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice

Blend these ingredients thoroughly until they are completely integrated and create a cohesive, zesty mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate clean bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Crushed dried lavender

Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of the lavender and leavening agents.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently and gradually, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for edges that are lightly golden but the centers should remain soft.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

  • Select Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality unsalted butter and freshly grated lemon zest for the most vibrant flavor profile.
  • Control Lavender Intensity: Crush dried lavender buds finely to distribute the floral notes evenly without overwhelming the cookie's taste.
  • Chill Dough for Better Texture: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance the cookies' structure.
  • Adjust for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or use plant-based butter for a vegan alternative.
  • Perfect Baking Technique: Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to ensure even browning and prevent sticking for professional-looking cookies.

Keep Lemon Lavender Cookies Fresh Longer

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, keeping them flat. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months.
  • Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to restore softness.

Drinks That Go with Lemon Lavender Cookies

  • The bergamot notes in Earl Grey beautifully complement the floral lavender and bright lemon flavors, creating a delightful harmony that elevates the cookie's delicate taste.
  • Intensify the citrus profile by accompanying the cookies with a refreshing lemon sorbet, which echoes the cookie's zesty undertones while providing a cool, palate-cleansing contrast.
  • The gentle, soothing chamomile blends seamlessly with the lavender's subtle floral essence, offering a warm and comforting beverage that enhances the cookie's soft, buttery texture.
  • A light, creamy dip with hints of vanilla creates a luxurious pairing that balances the cookie's brightness and adds a smooth, rich dimension to each bite.

Different Ways to Flavor Lemon Lavender Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Lavender Lemon Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicate flavor profile.
  • Vegan Citrus Lavender Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg replacement to create a plant-based cookie without compromising taste.
  • Low-Sugar Herbal Cookies: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce calorie content while preserving the aromatic lavender essence.
  • Dairy-Free Zesty Lavender Bites: Use dairy-free margarine or olive oil spread instead of butter, perfect for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
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Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delicate lemon lavender cookies offer a perfect balance of zesty citrus and floral elegance. Delightful sweet treats blend French-inspired flavors, promising a sophisticated dessert experience that will charm taste buds and elevate afternoon tea moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
  • ½ teaspoon dried lavender (for garnish)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cream the softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a silky smooth foundation for the cookies.
  2. Incorporate the egg, freshly grated lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice into the butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated and the batter appears uniform.
  3. In a separate vessel, carefully combine the flour, baking powder, delicate salt, and fragrant crushed lavender, ensuring an even distribution of the dry components.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently stirring until a cohesive, tender dough emerges, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Shape the dough into a compact ball, wrap it in plastic film, and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, which will help the flavors meld and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  6. Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your delicate cookies.
  7. Roll out the chilled dough to a consistent thickness, using a light touch to cut or shape the cookies with precision.
  8. Arrange the formed cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to ensure uniform baking and optimal texture.
  9. Bake until the edges turn a delicate golden hue, signaling the perfect level of doneness and creating a subtle crisp exterior.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, letting them set and develop their full flavor profile.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for smoother, easier creaming with sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy base.
  • Crush dried lavender flowers gently to release maximum flavor without overpowering the delicate lemon notes.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain a perfect shape.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same delightful texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 156
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 56 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 1.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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