Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any occasion. This recipe will guide you through creating these delicate, flavorful cookies that are surprisingly simple to make at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Lavender Shortbread Cookies are not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. The floral aroma of lavender blends perfectly with the buttery, crumbly texture of traditional shortbread, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor. This recipe is easy to follow, using simple ingredients, and yields consistently perfect cookies every time. The hint of lavender adds a sophisticated twist that will impress your friends and family, making them ideal for afternoon tea, special celebrations, or just a relaxing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Ensure the butter is properly softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
Step 2: Add Lavender and Salt
Stir in the dried culinary lavender buds and salt into the butter mixture. Make sure the lavender is evenly distributed to infuse the dough with its unique flavor.
Step 3: Gradually Add Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should come together into a ball.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to form a smooth disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling process helps prevent the shortbread cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. You can try classic circles, stars, or any other festive design.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Lavender Shortbread Cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they are still warm and fragile.
Serving Suggestions
These Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a fantastic addition to any afternoon tea. Serve them with a selection of teas, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, to complement the floral notes of the lavender.
For a delightful presentation, arrange the cookies on a tiered serving tray or a pretty platter. You can also dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
These cookies are perfect for special occasions like bridal showers, garden parties, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a lovely presentation. Pairing them with lemon curd or a light citrus glaze can also elevate the flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
To store your Lavender Shortbread Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. The flavor may even deepen slightly over time as the lavender infuses further.
Reheating isn’t typically necessary as these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, you can heat them in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for just a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry.
Key Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Equipment needed: Mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheet, parchment paper
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in dried culinary lavender buds and salt.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, form a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out shapes.
- Place cookies on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.