Description
Delicate Lavender Shortbread Cookies infused with lemon zest and dried lavender, baked to a perfect golden finish and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. These buttery cookies offer a fragrant, floral twist on a classic treat, ideal for afternoon tea or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Glaze
- 1 to 1½ cups (120–180 g) powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried lavender buds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Lavender Sugar: Process granulated sugar and dried lavender buds in a food processor for 10–15 seconds to blend the floral flavor evenly.
- Add Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the mixture and pulse until it resembles wet sand, ensuring the zest is finely integrated.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter with the lavender lemon sugar mixture for 3–4 minutes until creamy and fluffy.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Portion Cookies: Scoop out 1 tablespoon portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth to make a tangy glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with dried lavender buds for a decorative, fragrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix once flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Use good-quality dried lavender buds intended for culinary use.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
