Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies are a sophisticated treat that perfectly balances floral and citrus notes, making them a unique and delightful option for any occasion. Combining the subtle elegance of lavender with the zesty brightness of lemon, these cookies offer a refreshing twist on a classic shortbread recipe.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon): Provides a concentrated lemon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely chopped: Adds a subtle, aromatic floral note.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped lavender, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the dough firm up for easier slicing.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake:
- Once chilled, unwrap the logs and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn 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.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze for added sweetness.
Tips:
- Lavender: Use culinary lavender to ensure safety and finely chop it to avoid overwhelming bites.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation.
In conclusion, Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies are more than just a delightful treat—they represent a harmonious blend of sophistication and simplicity that elevates any occasion. These cookies capture the essence of elegance through their unique combination of aromatic lavender and zesty lemon, resulting in a flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent. Each bite delivers a delicate balance of sweetness and floral notes, underscoring the refined nature of this dessert.
The process of making Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies is as enjoyable as the cookies themselves. From the moment you cream the butter and sugar to the final baking step, the preparation is infused with the enchanting scents of lavender and lemon, transforming your kitchen into a haven of culinary delight. The straightforward recipe allows for ease of execution while ensuring a high-quality end product that can be savored with every bite.
These cookies are versatile, making them suitable for a range of settings—from a sophisticated afternoon tea to a light, refreshing dessert after a meal. Their understated elegance makes them an excellent choice for impressing guests or simply enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence. Whether presented as a charming gift or served as a special treat, Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies add a touch of luxury and refinement to any occasion.
By making these cookies at home, you not only enjoy the satisfaction of creating something exquisite but also have the opportunity to experience the full, unadulterated flavors of lavender and lemon. The ability to use the finest ingredients ensures that each cookie is a testament to both quality and taste. So, whether you’re seeking a refined addition to your baking repertoire or simply looking to enjoy a unique and flavorful treat, Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies promise a delightful culinary experience that’s both elegant and memorable.
Ultimate Lavender Lemon Shortbread
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowls:
- 2 Electric mixer or whisk
- 3 Measuring cups and spoon
- 4 sRubber spatula
Ingredients
- – 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- – 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- – 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 lemon
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender finely chopped
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- – Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.
- – Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, chopped lavender, and salt.
- – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- – Divide the dough into two logs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- – Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the Oven:
- – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake:
- – Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds.
- – Place slices on the baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- – Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze.
