Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love baking these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies! The unique combination of floral lavender and zesty lemon creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I was amazed at how simple the recipe is, yet it yields such complex flavors. The dough comes together quickly, and the subtle aroma fills the kitchen. Whether you're preparing for a gathering or just indulging yourself, these cookies offer a refreshing twist on the classic sugar cookie, making them a standout dessert that everyone will adore.
When I first tried lavender in baking, I was skeptical. Yet, these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies perfectly blend the floral notes with bright lemon zest. Each bite is a delightful surprise! I recommend letting the dough chill for at least an hour before baking; it enhances the flavors and helps maintain the cookie's shape.
As I experimented with adding lemon juice and zest, I realized it balances the sweetness of sugar with a refreshing zing. The little bits of candied lemon peel add an extra layer of texture and taste that I just can’t resist!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fragrant and unique flavor combination of lavender and lemon
- Light and crispy texture that melts in your mouth
- Great for tea parties or simply as an afternoon treat
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to achieving the perfect Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies lies in the quality of your ingredients. For example, using fresh culinary lavender is crucial as it greatly enhances the flavor profile with its floral notes. Ensure that the lavender you use is food-grade and not from the garden, as many garden varieties can contain harmful pesticides. Additionally, freshly grated lemon zest infuses your cookies with a vibrant, citrusy essence that dried lemon juice simply cannot replicate.
Butter plays a pivotal role in the texture of these cookies. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt content and allow the flavors of lavender and lemon to shine through. Also, be sure to let the butter soften to room temperature before creaming it with sugar; this creates a light and airy base that results in a melt-in-your-mouth cookie rather than a dense one.
The Chilling Process
Chilling the dough for at least an hour is a step that shouldn’t be overlooked. This resting period allows the flour to hydrate fully and the flavors to meld, as well as giving the butter a chance to firm up again after being creamed. When you bake the cookies right after mixing, they tend to spread too much, resulting in flatter cookies. By chilling the dough, you ensure that your cookies maintain their shape while baking, yielding those desirable, thicker edges.
You can even chill the dough overnight for even deeper flavor development. Just remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Slice and bake directly from the refrigerator for the best results—there’s no need to let it warm up, which can lead to over-spreading.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful cookies:
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix and match your favorite toppings or drizzle with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies:
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Blend the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, lavender, and vanilla extract.
Combine Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy with tea or coffee!
Your cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the taste wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions
These Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. For a dainty touch, serve them alongside a pot of herbal tea or fresh lemonade at your next gathering. The bright citrus and delicate floral notes pair perfectly with both beverages, elevating the experience. You can also presents these cookies on a beautifully arranged platter to impress guests during afternoon teas or garden parties.
If you're feeling adventurous, consider sandwiching two cookies with a light lemon frosting or whipped cream for a delightful treat. I find that adding a dusting of powdered sugar on top provides an elegant finish while complementing the floral and citrus flavors beautifully.
Storage Tips
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week; however, they taste best within the first few days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until they're frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay fresh for up to three months, and you can enjoy them whenever a craving strikes!
To enjoy frozen cookies, just let them thaw on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before serving. If you prefer, a quick warm-up in the microwave for 5-10 seconds can help restore that freshly baked texture. Keeping a batch in the freezer ensures that you’re always just moments away from a delightful treat!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute fresh lavender for dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender, but use it sparingly as it can be more potent than dried.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
→ What can I serve these cookies with?
These cookies pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a light dessert wine.
Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
I absolutely love baking these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies! The unique combination of floral lavender and zesty lemon creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I was amazed at how simple the recipe is, yet it yields such complex flavors. The dough comes together quickly, and the subtle aroma fills the kitchen. Whether you're preparing for a gathering or just indulging yourself, these cookies offer a refreshing twist on the classic sugar cookie, making them a standout dessert that everyone will adore.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, lavender, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy with tea or coffee!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the taste wonderfully.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g