Delicate Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
These delicate lemon lavender shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and feature a subtle floral note balanced with bright lemon zest, perfect for cozy moments and afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soften the butter to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes out of the fridge). Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy.
- Add lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt; mix on low speed until just combined.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and finely ground lavender to avoid clumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture; mix on low speed until dough just comes together. It will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; gently knead just enough to bring together, then flatten into a disk about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- Roll dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness, dusting with flour if sticky.
- Cut dough into preferred shapes using cookie cutters or a knife; transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Chill cookies on baking sheet in fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up dough.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges just start to turn very light golden; cookies should be pale but firm to touch.
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and cool completely to develop crispness.
Notes
Use finely ground culinary lavender to avoid bitterness. Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading. Avoid over-creaming butter and sugar to maintain tender texture. Dough can be made the night before and rolled/cut before baking. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or solid coconut oil. Baking temperature should be moderate (325°F) to avoid browning edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 1
Keywords: lemon lavender cookies, shortbread cookies, lemon zest cookies, floral cookies, easy homemade cookies, cozy treats, buttery cookies