If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, you’re in for a treat with Lavender Cookies. These buttery, tender cookies blend the gentle floral notes of dried lavender with a hint of vanilla, creating a sophisticated snack that’s perfect for everything from teatime to special occasions. Not only are they elegantly simple, but their enchanting aroma will make your kitchen smell like a blossoming garden. Each bite is a celebration of spring and a sweet escape from the ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lavender Cookies lies in their short and sweet ingredient list. Each component is carefully chosen to complement the delicate flavor of lavender and create a melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, creamy texture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Provides structure and sweetness, helping the cookies bake up perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a fine, tender crumb and a slight touch of softness.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the dough together and adds a little lift to the texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the aroma, pairing beautifully with the floral lavender notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cookie, giving structure without overwhelming the flavors.
- Dried Culinary Lavender (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): The star! Use only culinary-grade for the best, safest taste. Chop finely to avoid large, overpowering bites.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates all the other flavors.
How to Make Lavender Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This small step sets you up for effortless cleanup and perfectly golden cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Cream these together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process is key to achieving the tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that makes Lavender Cookies so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and fully incorporated—no streaks of egg or butter left behind. These add just the right moisture and flavor to round things out.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped dried lavender, and salt. Make sure the lavender is evenly distributed to avoid clumps, so each cookie sings with a subtle floral note.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low or with a spatula until just combined. The dough will come together soft but not sticky. Take a moment to savor the floral, buttery aroma—you’re almost there!
Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Flatten
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll each gently between your hands to form balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Give each dough ball a gentle press with your palm or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly, creating that perfect cookie shape.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges start turning a delicate golden brown. Don’t overbake—these cookies are best when they’re barely golden on the edges and soft in the middle. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lavender Cookies
Garnishes
Before baking, try sprinkling a little extra chopped dried lavender or a dusting of coarse sugar over the top for a touch of sparkle and an extra boost of floral aroma. Once baked, a light powdered sugar dusting makes these cookies tea-party ready.
Side Dishes
Lavender Cookies are natural companions to your favorite tea blends, especially herbal or black tea. For a more decadent pairing, serve them with clotted cream, lemon curd, or a bowl of fresh berries. They also shine alongside a simple scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Get whimsical by nestling your Lavender Cookies in a tin lined with patterned parchment for gifting. Stack them on a tiered cake stand for an elegant afternoon tea, or package them with a few sprigs of fresh lavender tied with twine for an extra-special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, keep your Lavender Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay at their best for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying over several days.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, you can freeze baked Lavander Cookies for up to three months. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer container to prevent sticking or breakage. Thaw at room temperature and savor whenever the craving hits!
Reheating
While these cookies are lovely at room temperature, if you want to gently rewarm them, pop a few on a parchment-lined baking sheet and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3–5 minutes. This refreshes their exterior and releases a little extra fragrance.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
For best results, stick with dried culinary lavender. Fresh lavender can sometimes introduce grassy or soapy notes and excess moisture. Dried lavender provides a consistent aroma and subtle flavor that balances perfectly with the buttery dough.
What’s the difference between culinary and ornamental lavender?
Culinary lavender is bred for its mellow, sweet flavor and safe consumption, while ornamental varieties may be too strong or even inedible. Always source culinary-grade lavender from a reputable shop to ensure your cookies are both delicious and safe.
Could I make Lavender Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll keep all those lovely flavors intact.
How do I avoid my cookies tasting soapy or overpowering?
A light hand is key when baking with lavender. Measure carefully and finely chop the buds, using only what’s specified. If you’re new to baking with edible flowers, you can even start with a little less and add more next time.
Can I decorate or glaze these cookies?
Definitely! A simple lemon glaze or a thin drizzle of white chocolate pairs beautifully with Lavender Cookies and makes them truly special for holidays, showers, or gifting. Just be sure to let the cookies cool completely before glazing.
Final Thoughts
Baking Lavender Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm, floral hug. Whether you serve them with tea or share as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are guaranteed to surprise and delight. Give them a place in your cookie jar, and see just how much joy a tiny blossom can bring to your kitchen!
Print
Lavender Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and aromatic, these lavender cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The subtle floral notes combined with rich buttery flavor make them a unique and elegant choice for tea time or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped lavender, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, place on baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use only culinary-grade lavender for safe consumption.
- Sprinkle extra lavender or coarse sugar for decoration.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
