Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

Lightly crisp at the edges and beautifully soft in the middle, Lemon Lavender Cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves a hint of floral in their sweets. Bursting with bright citrus and a whisper of fresh lavender, these cookies are the kind of edible sunshine that can perk up your afternoon or add a touch of elegance to any gathering. The delicate aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel like a garden in early summer, and with their pastel glaze and pretty garnishes, these treats bring charm to any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Lemon Lavender Cookies may look refined, but every component is straightforward and plays an important role in achieving delicate flavor and perfect texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make these enchanting cookies shine.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, providing just the right structure for a tender crumb.
• Cornstarch: Softens the cookies by making them even more melt-in-the-mouth—don’t skip it!
• Baking powder: A touch adds lightness and helps the cookies rise ever so slightly.
• Salted butter: Cool room temperature gives moisture and flavor while keeping the dough easy to handle.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and encourages a little golden color in the oven.
• Lemon zest: Provides that unmistakable fresh, tangy fragrance in every bite.
• Dried culinary lavender buds: The secret floral note—use culinary quality for best and safest flavor.
• Large egg: Holds the dough together and contributes to that oh-so-satisfying chewy texture.
• Powdered sugar: The key to a silken-smooth glaze for the perfect finishing touch.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds zing to the glaze, balancing the sweetness with a pop of acidity.
• Lavender extract (optional): A few drops deepen the floral note if you really want to highlight the lavender.
• Purple food coloring: For a pretty pastel shade that hints at the flavor inside (totally optional, but so fun!).
• Lavender buds & lemon zest (for garnish): A pinch on top makes these cookies extra beautiful and aromatic.

How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, gas mark 4) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step keeps the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking—plus, it makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This creates a well-blended dry base for your Lemon Lavender Cookies, helping them bake evenly and develop that dreamy texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, Lemon, and Lavender

Place the butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and dried lavender buds in a large mixing bowl. Using a stand or electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step infuses your dough with floral and citrusy aromas, setting the stage for unforgettable flavor.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Mix the egg into your creamed mixture until it’s thoroughly combined. The dough should become luscious and unified, ready for the dry ingredients to join the fun.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined—the dough will look a little dry, but that’s exactly how it should be for perfectly tender cookies.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a small cookie scoop to portion out 1-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches (about 5 cm) apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with your palm until it’s about 1/3 inch (1 cm) thick, giving the cookies their signature look and bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the centers are set and the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t overbake—the magic is in their soft, slightly chewy middle.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes—they’ll be delicate at first! Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. Patience here will reward you with cookies that don’t fall apart in your hands.

Step 9: Prepare the Lemon-Lavender Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and, if using, lavender extract. Add a few drops of purple food coloring for a hint of whimsy. The glaze should be thick but pourable, easy to spread atop each cookie.

Step 10: Decorate and Enjoy

Spoon glaze over the cooled cookies, letting it cascade down the sides. For an extra flourish, sprinkle each with a few more lavender buds and flecks of lemon zest. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving your stunning Lemon Lavender Cookies.

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies

Garnishes

To make these cookies even more show-stopping, top each with a tiny pinch of dried lavender buds or a dusting of fresh lemon zest right after glazing. The lavender gives a pop of color and a little extra aroma, while the zest signals the zippy flavor inside.

Side Dishes

Lemon Lavender Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea (Earl Grey is a dreamy match), a glass of sparkling lemonade, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert plate. Their gentle floral notes mean they blend easily into afternoon teas or brunch spreads, complementing both sweet and savory offerings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, stack these cookies in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon for heartfelt edible gifts, or arrange them on a vintage platter for brunch. Lemon Lavender Cookies also look gorgeous on tiered cake stands, alongside candied lemon peel and other pastel treats, for a spring-inspired dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Lemon Lavender Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place layers of wax paper between stacks of cookies to keep the glaze pristine and prevent sticking. Their flavor actually deepens after a day or two, so you have plenty of time to enjoy them.

Freezing

To freeze, you can wrap the baked (and unglazed) cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature before glazing and garnishing for best texture and taste. The dough itself can also be shaped into balls, frozen, then baked straight from the freezer with just an extra minute or two in the oven.

Reheating

If your cookies feel a bit too firm after a few days or straight from the freezer, you can refresh them by popping in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. Just let them cool before glazing if you haven’t yet, and they’ll taste as if you just baked them.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for Lemon Lavender Cookies?

Dried culinary lavender buds offer the right concentration of flavor and aroma; fresh lavender can be overpowering or too moist, so for best results (and a more controllable flavor) stick to dried.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a good quality, cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture might be a little different, but the fabulous flavors of Lemon Lavender Cookies will still shine through.

What if I can’t find lavender extract?

No problem at all—lavender extract is entirely optional. The dried buds already give a lovely floral note, so your cookies will still taste beautifully fragrant without it.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! The dough for Lemon Lavender Cookies can be covered and chilled for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilled dough tends to produce slightly thicker, more tender cookies.

Why is cornstarch used in this cookie recipe?

Cornstarch is the trick to achieving that irresistibly soft, almost shortbread-like texture. It makes the crumb tender and keeps your cookies from spreading too much, resulting in the perfect bite every time.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to wait for a fancy occasion to enjoy Lemon Lavender Cookies—make a batch for yourself and savor the magic of fresh lemon and fragrant lavender right in your own kitchen. They’re a true joy to bake and share, so invite a friend over, pop the kettle on, and create a plateful of memories with every delicate, delicious bite!

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