Name: Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies for a Floral Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (sweetens the dough); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend); 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Zest (for bright citrus flavor); 2 tablespoons Dried Culinary Lavender (use culinary lavender only); 1 large Egg (can replace with flax egg for vegan option); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for icing); 2 tablespoons Milk or Cream (use non-dairy alternatives if desired)

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The sweet aroma of floral cookies wafted through the kitchen, bringing a touch of elegance to an ordinary afternoon. I couldn’t resist whipping up a batch of Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, a delightful fusion of zesty lemon and delicate lavender. Not only are these cookies a perfect way to indulge in homemade goodness, but their quick prep time makes them a breeze for anyone, regardless of baking skill. Plus, they are easy to customize—you can make them gluten-free or vegan without losing their charm! These cookies are ideal for tea parties, special occasions, or simply enjoying with a cup of your favorite brew. Curious about how to create these sophisticated treats yourself? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?

Sublime Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and lavender creates a uniquely refreshing treat that dances on your palate, making them perfect for any gathering or just a cozy afternoon at home.

Customizable Delight: You can easily adapt these cookies to suit your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free options or need to create a vegan version, this recipe has you covered.

Quick and Easy: With a simple preparation process, even novice bakers can whip up these stunning cookies without stress, leaving you more time to enjoy them!

Elegant Presentation: The delicate floral design and icing give these cookies an elegant look, perfect for impressing guests at tea parties or special occasions.

Culinary Adventure: Infuse your cooking with creativity! Try various flavors like orange or rose petals to truly make this recipe your own. Serve them alongside a delicious Peach Lemonade Bliss for a perfect pairing.

Indulge in a batch of these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, and discover why they will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and a tender structure; ensure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough, contributing to the cookies’ delightful texture.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the main structure; can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Fresh Lemon Zest – Imparts a bright citrus flavor; avoid substitutes for the best taste.
Dried Culinary Lavender – Adds a beautiful floral aroma and flavor; use only culinary lavender for safety.
Large Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option.

For the Icing

Powdered Sugar – Used for icing, creating that sweet glaze we love.
Milk or Cream – Adjusts icing consistency; non-dairy alternatives can be used.

These wonderfully buttery Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are just waiting to be enjoyed—don’t miss out on trying this delightful recipe!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prep Dough
Begin by creaming 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the mixture, creating a tender texture in your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the zest from one fresh lemon, and 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, then fold in 1 large egg until the dough is smooth and cohesive. The fragrant combination of lemon and lavender will begin to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this chilling step is crucial as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking. When you unwrap it later, the dough should be slightly firm to the touch.

Step 4: Shape Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes, placing them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even baking.

Step 5: Bake
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn lightly golden, while the centers remain pale. This careful timing ensures the cookies achieve that perfect crumbly texture quintessential to Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

Step 6: Cool
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they won’t break or crumble before applying the glaze.

Step 7: Make Icing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a tablespoon of milk or cream until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin—the goal is a pourable icing.

Step 8: Glaze Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, dip them into the icing or drizzle it generously over the tops. For an elegant finish, sprinkle a few extra dried lavender buds before the icing sets. This final touch beautifies the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, making them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

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Expert Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Chill It Well: Ensure the dough is refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Accurate Measurements: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately; this helps avoid dense or dry cookies.
Cool Completely: Wait until the cookies are fully cooled before icing them. Warm cookies can cause the glaze to melt and slide off.
Culinary Lavender Only: Always use culinary-grade lavender to avoid non-food safe varieties. This ensures both flavor and safety in your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.
Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors like orange zest or rose petals to make the recipe your own!

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize your cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free treat. They’ll be just as crumbly and satisfying without the gluten!
Vegan: Replace the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a delightful vegan version. The cookie’s flavor won’t miss a beat!
Different Zests: Swap the lemon zest for orange or lime zest to create a citrus twist that brightens up your cookies in a whole new way.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, into the dough for a delightful crunch. Combined with the floral notes, this will elevate your cookies to decadent heights.
Flavorful Icing: Enhance your icing by adding vanilla extract or almond extract for a deeper flavor. A hint of vanilla can truly round out the sweetness!
Edible Flowers: Experiment with other edible flowers like chamomile or even rose petals instead of lavender for a floral fusion that’s both lovely and flavorful.
Spiced Sweetness: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon into the dough for a warm, spiced kick that pairs beautifully with the lemon and lavender flavors.

Feel free to explore these variations while you whip up a batch of Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, or why not try serving them with a refreshing glass of Peach Lemonade Bliss for a delightful complement? The possibilities are endless, and your baking adventure is just beginning!

Storage Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to preserve their delicate texture and flavor.

Fridge: For extended freshness, iced cookies can be refrigerated; they will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks if properly stored in an airtight container.

Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies for up to 3 months. This allows you to enjoy a taste of spring anytime!

Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, allow them to come to room temperature and then gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Make Ahead Options

These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply prepare the dough through Step 3 and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. If desired, you can also cut the cookies into shapes and freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a container. When it’s time to bake, simply place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This method ensures that your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies will be just as delicious and flaky when you finally serve them!

What to Serve with Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Elevate your experience with delightful pairings that harmonize beautifully with these buttery, floral cookies.

Herbal Tea: The soothing notes of herbal tea enhance the aromatic flavors of lavender, making it a calming choice for any occasion. It beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a serene tea time atmosphere.
Lemonade: A glass of refreshing lemonade brightens the overall experience, complementing the tangy lemon notes in the cookies. The cool sweetness pairs perfectly, making each bite feel like a sunny day.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a luscious texture that contrasts with the crumbly cookies. For an extra touch, infuse your whipped cream with a hint of lavender or flavored extract.
Fresh Berries: Serve a medley of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries alongside the cookies. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness, adding a vibrant pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, such as goat cheese or brie, offers a sophisticated tandem to the cookies. The rich, creamy textures create a savory balance, presenting an elegant contrast to the sweet, floral treat.
Sparkling Wine: For special occasions, a glass of sparkling wine enhances the festivities. The bubbles and crispness complement the cookies’ buttery richness, celebrating the moment with a touch of effervescence.

Indulge in these pairing ideas to make every bite of your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies even more delightful!

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Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for these cookies?
For the best results, use unsalted butter at room temperature. This allows for proper creaming with the sugar, which creates a light and fluffy dough. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.

How should I store the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For iced cookies, refrigerate them in the container to maintain freshness, where they can last up to 3 weeks. Just remember to keep them separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking!

Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, first let them cool completely. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a sealed freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find that your dough feels sticky, it might be due to excess moisture from the environment or not chilling it enough. Simply sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and gently knead the dough. If the dough is still too wet, refrigerate it for an additional 15-20 minutes to firm it up before rolling out.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using a brand that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Additionally, always ensure your additional ingredients, like baking powder or powdered sugar, are gluten-free as well.

Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! This recipe contains common allergens like eggs and dairy due to the butter and egg in the dough. For a vegan version, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, set for a few minutes until gel-like). Make sure to use non-dairy alternatives for butter and milk in the icing as well. Always double-check your lavender source to ensure it’s culinary-grade and safe for consumption.