Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe

These Lemon Lavender Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion! With their unique flavor profile combining zesty lemon and aromatic lavender, these cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional sweets. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, preparing a gift, or simply indulging yourself, this Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe will surely impress your guests with its bright flavors and soft texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe requires no chilling time, making it easy to whip up quickly.
• Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of lemon and lavender creates a refreshing taste that stands out from typical cookie flavors.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions like birthdays, tea parties, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Gorgeous Presentation: Topped with a sweet glaze and garnished with lavender buds, these cookies look as good as they taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With 25 servings, you can share these delightful cookies with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious cookies, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: Provides consistent mixing power, ensuring your ingredients blend perfectly for a fluffy cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for organizing your ingredients separately before combining them for an efficient workflow.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create evenly sized cookies for uniform baking and presentation.

Ingredients

To make this delightful Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups / 270 g / 9.5 oz all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled
• 2 tbsp / 10 g / 0.6 oz cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 sticks / 225 g / 8 oz salted butter, at cool room temperature
• 3/4 cup / 150 g / 5.3 oz granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 3 medium lemons)
• 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
• 1 large egg, at a cool room temperature

For the Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups / 180 g / 6.3 oz powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp lavender extract (optional)
• 3 to 4 drops of purple food coloring
• lavender buds, to garnish, if desired
• lemon zest, to garnish, if desired

How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Lavender Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Beat Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or an electric mixer), cream together the butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and dried lavender on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add Egg

Mix in one large egg until very well combined with the butter mixture.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; the dough will seem slightly dry but should hold together.

Step 6: Scoop Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space each dough ball about two inches apart.

Step 7: Flatten Cookies

Gently flatten each ball with your palms until they are approximately one-third inch thick.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. They are ready when the centers are just set and the edges appear slightly golden brown. Bake only one cookie sheet at a time for best results.

Step 9: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Mix Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lavender extract until you achieve a thick yet pourable consistency. If desired, tint the glaze with purple food coloring.

Step 11: Decorate Cookies

Spoon glaze over each cooled cookie. Optionally sprinkle lavender buds and lemon zest on top. Let icing set for about thirty minutes before serving.

Step 12: Store

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To maintain freshness, separate layers of cookies using wax paper.

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe

These lemon lavender cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a perfect treat for afternoon tea or a delightful dessert at gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair your cookies with fresh berries or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and floral flavors.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other baked goods, such as scones or mini muffins, for an inviting dessert table.

With Tea

• Serve these cookies with a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to enhance the floral notes of the cookie.

As a Gift

• Package the cookies in a decorative box tied with ribbon. They make an excellent homemade gift for friends and family.

How to Perfect Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your lemon lavender cookies is simple with these tips. Follow these recommendations for the best results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and quality lavender buds to ensure vibrant flavors in your cookies.
• Measure accurately: For precise baking, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies.
• Room temperature butter: Ensure your butter is at cool room temperature for easy creaming and fluffy texture.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be just set in the middle for that soft texture.
• Experiment with glaze: Feel free to adjust lemon juice in the glaze for desired sweetness and tanginess; it should complement the cookie perfectly.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe

These lemon lavender cookies pair well with various side dishes that balance their sweet and floral profile. Here are some delightful options you might consider.

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing element to your cookie experience.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the cookies well.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, offers a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Herbal Tea
   Serving with chamomile or lemon verbena tea enhances the floral notes present in both the drink and the cookie.

5. Lemon Sorbet
   This light dessert cleanses the palate while echoing the lemon flavor found in your cookies.

6. Simple Green Salad
   A light salad dressed with vinaigrette can add freshness and balance out richer flavors from desserts.

7. Honey Drizzled Ricotta
   Spread ricotta cheese on crackers drizzled with honey for a sweet-savory bite that pairs nicely with lemon lavender flavors.

8. Nuts Medley
   A mix of lightly salted nuts provides crunch and complements the sweetness of your lemon lavender cookie recipe beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon lavender cookies can be simple, but there are a few common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Incorrect ingredient measurements: Always measure flour using the spoon and level method. This ensures you don’t end up with dense cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding the flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (180°C). An uncalibrated oven can lead to uneven baking.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper rising and texture in your cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Use wax paper or parchment paper to separate layers before sealing.

Reheating Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat, add a cookie, and cover with a lid for about 1 minute until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries related to the Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe:

What makes these cookies unique?

These lemon lavender cookies blend zesty lemon flavors with floral lavender, creating a delightful combination that stands out from traditional cookie recipes.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.

How do I ensure my lemon lavender cookies are soft?

To keep them soft, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container immediately after cooling.

What variations can I try with this Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe?

You can experiment by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even different citrus zests like orange or lime for varied flavors.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Lavender Cookie Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. The unique flavor combination makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the sweetness level. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!