If you adore cookies that delight with subtle floral notes and buttery goodness, the Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies effortlessly blend the soothing aroma of dried culinary lavender with the rich creaminess of butter, creating a delicate treat that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or gifting them to someone special, these cookies promise a uniquely lovely flavor experience that’s as beautiful to make as it is to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe uses simple and essential ingredients that come together to make something truly magical. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter that creates that classic tender texture to the dried lavender that provides the signature floral touch.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened, unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level and ensures a rich, smooth base.
- Powdered sugar: This helps the cookies achieve that delicate crumb without any graininess.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and that classic shortbread bite.
- Cornstarch: Added for extra tenderness to make the cookies light and crumbly.
- Dried culinary lavender: The star ingredient—adds a gentle, fragrant floral note without overpowering.
- Salt: Just a hint to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and roundness to the cookie’s flavor profile.
How to Make Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up nicely. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. It’s a small but important step that ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily once done.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Together
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process usually takes 3 to 5 minutes and is crucial for giving your cookies their delicate texture. You’ll notice the sugar starts to incorporate smoothly, setting the stage for tender shortbread.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Lavender
Once creamed, stir in the vanilla extract and dried lavender. Take a moment to evenly distribute the lavender, which will infuse every bite with that signature fragrant boost. The vanilla extract deepens the flavor, complementing the floral notes beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Adding the dry ingredients gradually into the butter mixture prevents clumps and promotes an even dough texture. Gently stir until just combined—you want to avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Shape your dough into a log and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling step makes slicing much easier and helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and slice into thin 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange the slices on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step firms them up perfectly and prevents breakage, so be patient—it’s worth the wait.
How to Serve Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra dried lavender buds on top of the cookies before baking for a pretty touch and an added hint of floral aroma. Alternatively, dusting with powdered sugar after baking enhances their delicate look and adds a subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, especially Earl Grey or chamomile, which complement the lavender’s natural flavor. A light glass of dessert wine or even a vanilla latte can also round out the experience beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack these cookies in small decorative tins or wrap them in parchment with a ribbon to give as charming homemade gifts. Another fun idea is to create a cookie platter with assortments of floral-themed sweets that make for a stunning party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Lavender Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and delicate flavor. They should stay fresh for up to a week—perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, freezing is a smart option. Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator and slice before baking as usual.
Reheating
Shortbread cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This revives their buttery aroma and makes them just shy of freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
It’s best to use dried culinary lavender, as fresh lavender contains more moisture which can affect the cookie dough’s texture and baking process. Dried lavender also offers a more concentrated flavor.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I skip it?
Cornstarch contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it and slightly increase the flour. The texture might be a bit less delicate but still delicious.
How long do Lavender Shortbread Cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies maintain their fresh flavor and texture for about a week. Beyond that, they may start to lose their crispness.
Can I substitute the vanilla extract with something else?
While vanilla extract enhances the flavor beautifully, you can experiment with almond extract or even a splash of citrus zest like lemon for a different but complementary twist.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these little floral gems in your baking repertoire. Their perfect balance of buttery richness and gentle lavender fragrance makes them a standout treat for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and delight yourself and your loved ones with a batch of these lovely cookies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully crisp and buttery Lavender Shortbread Cookies infused with delicate dried lavender and vanilla. These elegant cookies offer a subtly floral flavor perfect for tea time or gifting, made from simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and dried culinary lavender, making sure the lavender is evenly mixed throughout the butter and sugar mixture to infuse the dough with its floral aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until the dough just forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helps the flavors meld.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and cut it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture.
- Use culinary-grade dried lavender to avoid bitterness and ensure safety for consumption.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a decorative touch, press a small lavender bud or coarse sugar on top of each cookie before baking.
- If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, increase to 1.5 tablespoons but be mindful it can become overpowering.
