Oh my goodness, have you ever tried lemon lavender cookies? They’re like a little taste of sunshine! The zesty brightness of lemon pairs so beautifully with the delicate floral notes of lavender, creating a cookie that’s not just a treat, but an experience. I remember the first time I baked these; the aroma filled my kitchen and made my heart flutter with joy. It was a sunny afternoon, and I could just picture myself enjoying these with a cup of tea in my backyard. Trust me, the combination is simply delightful! Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re having friends over or just need a little pick-me-up during the week. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’ve become one of my all-time favorites!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Lemon Lavender Cookies
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most enchanting aroma as we dive into making these delightful lemon lavender cookies! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a batch of scrumptious cookies ready to savor in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to start baking as soon as they hit the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon—whatever you prefer! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that lovely texture!
- Next, crack in the large egg, and add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Don’t skip the zest; it’s where all that zingy flavor comes from! Then, gently fold in the dried lavender buds. The scent of lavender mixed with the lemon is just heavenly!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that the baking powder gets evenly distributed in the dough. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix it—just enough until there are no dry spots left!
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie because they’ll spread a little while baking.
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden color, while the centers might still look a bit soft. That’s totally fine! They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely!
And there you have it! Let those cookies cool completely (if you can resist) before enjoying them. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or as a delightful sweet treat any time of day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The bright, refreshing lemon paired with the subtly sweet floral notes of lavender creates a cookie that’s simply unforgettable.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll whip up these cookies in no time. Perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers!
- Versatile Treat: Whether you’re hosting a garden party, having a cozy tea time, or just want a sweet snack, these cookies fit right in.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a lovely box, and they make for a charming homemade gift that will impress friends and family.
- Make Ahead: These cookies store beautifully, so you can prepare them in advance and have a delightful treat ready whenever you need it.
Tips for Success
To ensure your lemon lavender cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, be sure to use culinary lavender—regular lavender from your garden may not be safe to eat. Also, don’t skip the lemon zest; it really brightens the flavor and adds that zing you’re looking for. If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 20 minutes before scooping—it makes it easier to handle!
When baking, keep an eye on those cookies! Ovens can vary, so check them at the 10-minute mark. You want the edges to be golden but the centers slightly soft. Finally, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their lovely texture. Trust me, these little details make a world of difference!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional values of these delightful lemon lavender cookies? Here’s a rough estimate for each cookie, just to give you an idea:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, as well as your baking methods. But knowing what’s in your treat can make enjoying them all the sweeter, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
While you can use fresh lavender, I really recommend sticking with dried culinary lavender for the best flavor. Fresh lavender can be a bit too strong and may lead to a gummy texture in your cookies.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your lemon lavender cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long because they’re just too good!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
If you find yourself out of lemon juice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or simply use more lemon zest for that zesty flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture a bit, but they’ll still taste great!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lemon lavender cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay lovely for about a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long—trust me, they’re just too irresistible!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cooled first, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. No reheating is necessary—they’re delightful at room temperature, or you can pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you fancy a warm treat!
Lavender has many health benefits that can enhance your baking experience.
Print
Lemon Lavender Cookies: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore Them
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon lavender cookies are a delightful treat that combines the refreshing taste of lemon with the floral notes of lavender.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lavender buds. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until combined.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use culinary lavender for best flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice for desired tartness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: lemon lavender cookies
