Lemon and Lavender Cookies

Name: Lemon and Lavender Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, crushed; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried lavender, for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore baking these Lemon and Lavender Cookies, especially during spring! The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender creates a delightful balance that brightens my day. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweet and floral notes, and the texture is just right—crispy on the edges and soft in the center. These cookies are perfect for gatherings or just a cozy afternoon treat with tea. I'm excited to share this recipe which brings such joy and love into my kitchen!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-13T16:58:19.165Z

I remember the first time I baked Lemon and Lavender Cookies; the kitchen was filled with an incredible aroma that had everyone asking what I was making. The key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors lies in using fresh lemon zest and culinary lavender for an authentic taste that truly shines. I often experiment with the amount of lavender for a more robust flavor depending on the season.

One tip I found particularly helpful is to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This isn't just for convenience—it helps the cookies retain their shape and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you pull those golden cookies out of the oven!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Bright citrus flavor that invigorates your senses
Unique floral hint that sets them apart from traditional cookies
Perfectly balanced texture; crisp outside, chewy inside

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When baking Lemon and Lavender Cookies, the quality of your ingredients plays a critical role in the final result. For instance, using fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice will ensure a more vibrant flavor. The zest adds essential oils that boost the cookie's citrusy aroma, making each bite refreshing. It’s worth seeking out culinary-grade lavender; culinary lavender is specifically grown for consumption, ensuring that you get a flavor that’s safe and distinctly aromatic without the bitterness found in non-culinary lavender varieties.

Butter should be softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. This ensures it combines smoothly with sugar, creating air pockets for a light, crispy texture. Over-softening can lead to excessively oily cookies, while under-softening can make it challenging to achieve that fluffy consistency. If you’re short on time and need a quick solution, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces and microwave it in short bursts, ensuring it doesn’t melt.

Chilling and Baking Tips

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that enhances the texture of your cookies. Not only does it firm up the dough for easier scooping, but it also helps develop deeper flavors as the ingredients meld together. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, but for an even richer taste, chilling overnight is an excellent option. Just be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping it, as overly cold dough can be difficult to work with.

Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. Look for the edges turning a light golden brown as an indicator that they are done. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, which is especially noticeable in cookies that are meant to be soft in the center. If they look slightly underdone in the middle when you take them out, don’t worry—the residual heat will continue to cook them slightly after they've been removed from the oven.

Ingredients

For the cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, crushed

For the glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried lavender, for garnish

Mix all the ingredients well to create your cookie dough!

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest and juice.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed lavender. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Chill and bake

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Glaze (optional)

If using, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with lavender.

Enjoy your delicious lemon and lavender cookies!

Pro Tips

Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake
every oven is different.

Glazing and Presentation

While the cookies are delicious on their own, adding a glaze elevates their appearance and flavor. Creating the glaze is simple; ensure your powdered sugar is sifted to avoid clumps for a perfectly smooth finish. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze. Drizzling it thoughtfully enhances presentation; alternative methods include dipping the tops of the cookies into the glaze for an even coating.

For an elegant touch, sprinkle additional crushed lavender on top of the glaze while it’s still wet. This not only adds visual appeal but also reinforces the fragrant notes of lavender in each bite. If you're preparing these for a special occasion, consider serving them on a tiered cake stand or alongside a fragrant herbal tea that complements the floral hints of the cookies.

Storage and Variations

These cookies store wonderfully! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Freeze unbaked cookie dough in portioned scoops, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for a freshly baked treat anytime.

For variations, you could experiment with adding different citrus zests, such as orange or even grapefruit, to create a unique flavor profile. You might also try infusing the melted butter with fresh lavender before creaming it with sugar for an even more pronounced floral taste. Alternatively, incorporate white or dark chocolate chips to add a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart lemon and floral lavender.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but make sure it's culinary lavender and use it sparingly, as fresh is more potent.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough and bake the cookies fresh as needed. Just thaw before baking.

→ Is it okay to adjust the lemon flavor?

Certainly! You can add more lemon zest or juice if you prefer a stronger citrus flavor.