As I opened the oven door, a sweet, floral aroma wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a sun-drenched garden. I had just baked a batch of Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, and let me tell you, this unique combination is a delightful surprise! These buttery treats not only feature zesty lemon and fragrant lavender, but they also come together quickly, making them perfect for both special occasions like weddings and casual tea parties. Whether you’re a passionate home chef or someone looking to impress guests with a simple yet elegant dessert, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite. Curious about how to bring this refreshing experience to your own kitchen? Keep reading! Why Are These Cookies So Special? Unique Flavor Profile: The bright citrus notes of lemon perfectly blend with the delicate floral essence of lavender, creating a delightful taste experience. Effortless Elegance: These cookies are simple to make, yet they impress with their sophisticated flavor and presentation, ideal for any gathering. Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully packaged, they make thoughtful gifts for weddings or tea parties, sure to enchant anyone lucky enough to receive them. Versatile Treat: Adapt the recipe with different herbs or citrus for a customized version, keeping your baking fresh and exciting. Quick to Prepare: With minimal chilling time, you’ll have these scrumptiously iced cookies ready in no time, perfect for when you want something delicious without the hustle. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or even alongside some sweet Cinnamon Roll Cookies for a decadent afternoon treat! Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough Butter – Provides richness and tenderness; use unsalted for better control over salt levels. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a delicate texture. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base structure of the cookies; can be swapped with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free variant. Fresh Lemon Zest – Infuses vibrant citrus flavor; you can use lemon extract, but fresh zest is ideal. Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds essential fresh tartness for flavor depth. Dried Culinary Lavender – Provides a unique floral essence; ensure it’s for culinary use only. For the Icing Powdered Sugar – Gives the icing a smooth and sweet finish, perfect for glazing your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. Lemon Juice – Enhances the icing flavor, making it bright and refreshing; essential for the perfect glaze. Enjoy this enchanting culinary experience with the unique Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies that are bound to impress your loved ones! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Step 1: Prepare Dough In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add in the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix until well combined. Next, sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and fold in 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender until a soft dough forms. Step 2: Chill Dough Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out. As it chills, this time is perfect for allowing the flavors of the lemon and lavender to meld beautifully, enhancing your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. Step 3: Bake Cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much. Step 4: Cool & Ice Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. In the meantime, prepare the icing by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cookies and sprinkle with a bit of dried lavender for a lovely finish. Expert Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, resulting in a light and fluffy texture in your cookies. Baking Time Awareness: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden and not overly brown, which can result in a dry texture. Cooling Period: Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing. This ensures the glaze sets properly and won’t melt into the cookies. Icing Consistency: For a smooth glaze, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice until you achieve a drizzleable consistency; adjust the lemon juice as needed. Ingredient Quality: Always use culinary-grade lavender and freshly zested lemons to enhance the overall flavor profile of your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative with your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies and make them truly your own! Herb Swap: Replace lavender with dried rosemary for a savory, fragrant twist. The herbaceous notes will complement the lemon beautifully. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Everyone can enjoy these delightful treats, regardless of dietary restrictions! Citrus Medley: Add orange zest or even grapefruit zest to the dough for an exciting citrus twist. The layers of flavor will dance on your palate! Extra Sweetness: Mix in a handful of white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness and texture. You’ll love the chewy contrast! Lavender Cream: Replace the icing with a lavender-infused cream. Simply mix whipped cream with a touch of lavender extract for a luscious topping. Salted Finish: Sprinkle just a pinch of sea salt on top of the icing to create a delightful contrast between sweet and salty flavors. It’s a game-changer! Fruity Glaze: Drizzle the cookies with a glaze made from mixed berry juice instead of lemon for a fruity alternative. This adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor. Chai Spice: For a hint of warmth, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. This will evoke cozy feelings, perfect for chilly afternoons. These variations make your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies versatile and exciting. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combination! Pair these delightful cookies with some sweet Pebble Sugar Cookies or enjoy them with a cup of warm herbal tea for a blissful afternoon treat! Storage Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their freshness. Fridge: You can extend their shelf life by placing the cookies in the fridge, where they will last for several weeks without losing flavor or texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: If desired, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before serving, enhancing their buttery goodness. What to Serve with Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Imagine a sunny afternoon spent with friends, accompanied by delightful treats that elevate your experience to sweet bliss. Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot notes in this tea pair beautifully with floral lavender, enhancing the cookie’s elegant taste. Lemonade Spritzer: A zesty, refreshing drink that complements the citrusy flavor of the cookies, making each bite feel like a summer day. Cheese Platter: Include creamy brie and a drizzle of honey for a contrast that balances the cookies’ sweetness with savory richness. Fresh Fruit Salad: Juicy strawberries and tangy raspberries add a refreshing burst that brightens the overall palate alongside the cookies. Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess contrasts with the lemon’s zing, providing a luscious base that enhances the cookie experience. Whipped Cream Dessert: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of luxury, making every bite feel extra special. These pairings will not only enhance your enjoyment of the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies but will also create a magical moment with every bite. Make Ahead Options These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are superb for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days before glazing. To maintain their delightful texture, ensure they’re fully cooled before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy, glaze them on the day of serving for that fresh, glossy finish, ensuring these exquisite cookies are just as delicious as when freshly baked! Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of butter should I use for the dough? It’s best to use unsalted butter for your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. This gives you more control over the salt content, allowing the delicate flavors of lemon and lavender to shine through without being overpowered. How long can I store these cookies? You can keep your cookies fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. For an extended shelf life, refrigerate them for several weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! To freeze your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out and baking. What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking? If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled adequately before baking. Ensure that your butter is at room temperature when mixing, and always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. If necessary, you can also pop the rolled-out shapes in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking to help them retain their shape. Is it safe to use dried culinary lavender for cooking? Yes, ensure that the lavender you’re using is labeled for culinary purposes. Non-food-grade lavender may contain pesticides or other harmful substances. I often recommend checking specialty food stores or online retailers for high-quality culinary lavender to enjoy its unique flavor safely. Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies for a Blissful Treat Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies offer a unique blend of zesty lemon and floral lavender, delivering a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 52 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Cookie Dough1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature1/2 cup granulated sugar2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender culinary use onlyIcing1 cup powdered sugar2 tablespoons lemon juice for icing Equipment Mixing bowlWhiskcookie cuttersBaking SheetParchment paper Method Dough PreparationCream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.Gradually add in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.Sift in the flour and fold in the lavender until a soft dough forms.Chilling and BakingShape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and cut into shapes.Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.Cooling and IcingLet the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for icing, drizzle over cookies, and sprinkle with lavender. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
