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Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 1 review

These Lemon Lavender Cookies combine bright citrus flavors with the delicate floral notes of lavender for a unique and refreshing treat. Perfectly tender and lightly sweetened, these cookies are topped with a lemon-lavender glaze that adds a delightful finishing touch. Ideal for spring gatherings or afternoon tea, these cookies offer a crisp edge with a soft center, beautifully balanced with fragrant lemon zest and culinary lavender buds.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes per sheet
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 25 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups (270 g / 9.5 oz) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 tbsp (10 g / 0.6 oz) cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients & Flavorings

  • 2 sticks (225 g / 8 oz) salted butter, at cool room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 3 medium lemons)
  • 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
  • 1 large egg, at cool room temperature

Glaze

  • 1 ½ cups (180 g / 6.3 oz) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 to 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp lavender extract (optional)
  • 3 to 4 drops purple food coloring

Garnish (optional)

  • lavender buds
  • lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or gas mark 4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder to ensure an even distribution of leavening and texture agents. Set aside.
  3. Beat butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or an electric mixer to cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar along with lemon zest and dried lavender buds at medium speed. Beat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add egg: Crack in the large egg and mix until it is fully combined with the creamed butter mixture, ensuring a smooth texture.
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix as the dough will be slightly dry but this is expected.
  6. Scoop cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Place each ball about 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow for spreading.
  7. Flatten cookies: Gently press down each dough ball with your palms until the thickness is approximately 1/3 inch (1 cm) to ensure even baking.
  8. Bake: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies are done when the centers are just set and the edges turn slightly golden.
  9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Mix glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional lavender extract until you achieve a thick, pourable consistency. Add a few drops of purple food coloring to tint the glaze.
  11. Decorate cookies: Spoon or drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies. If desired, sprinkle with extra lavender buds and lemon zest for garnish. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving.
  12. Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place sheets of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use culinary-grade dried lavender to ensure a pleasant flavor without bitterness.
  • Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
  • Flattening the dough balls evenly ensures the cookies bake uniformly.
  • For a stronger lemon flavor, increase lemon zest slightly in the dough and glaze.
  • Glaze can be tinted with natural or artificial food coloring depending on preference.
  • Store cookies properly to maintain freshness and texture.