Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
Highlighted under: Treats & Confections
I’ve always been captivated by the unique flavor combination of lavender and lemon, so I decided to craft a delicious sugar cookie that captures this essence. These Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies are not only aromatic but also refreshing, making them perfect for any occasion. The delicate balance of floral notes and zesty lemon will transport you to a sunny garden with every bite. I love serving them with tea or as a delightful treat for guests at gatherings. They're simple to make, and the results are simply delightful!
When I first experimented with lavender in my baking, I was a bit apprehensive, but I quickly fell in love with how it elevated the flavor profile of my favorite sweet treats. These Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies struck the perfect balance—light yet flavorful. I found that letting the dough rest for a bit enhances the flavors, making the cookies even more aromatic and delicious.
Another aspect that I discovered was how the lemon zest truly brightens the lavender, resulting in a refreshing treat that’s perfect alongside a warm cup of herbal tea. Each cookie has a crisp edge and a soft center; I can't resist these charming little delights!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Delicate floral notes balanced with zesty lemon.
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture.
- Unique and eye-catching for any dessert table.
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to the enchanting flavor of these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. Granulated sugar not only provides sweetness but also contributes to the cookies' tender texture. The unsalted butter is crucial for richness and contributes to the cookies’ soft and chewy quality. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar, which is essential for incorporating air and achieving a light texture.
Dried culinary lavender is what sets these cookies apart from traditional sugar cookies. It brings a unique floral aroma and subtle flavor profile that pairs beautifully with zesty lemon juice and lemon zest. Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender that is safe for consumption. If you can’t find it, crushed dried rose petals can provide a different, yet complementary floral note.
Techniques for Perfect Cookies
When preparing the dough, it’s important to avoid overmixing once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies as it develops gluten in the flour. Mix until everything is just combined, and you see no dry flour. This will ensure a soft and tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
Achieving the right shape is critical for even baking. After chilling the dough, I recommend rolling it into uniform balls of about one tablespoon. This not only ensures that the cookies bake evenly but also helps in achieving that perfect, chewy interior. Keep a little space between each ball on the baking sheet to allow for spreading, as these cookies will puff up slightly while baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Mix in the dried lavender.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Chill and Shape
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze on top of the cooled cookies. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until you achieve a drizzle consistency. Also, ensure the lavender you use is culinary-grade to avoid any harmful effects.
Storage Tips
These Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months and thawed at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy them.
If you prefer to make the dough in advance, you can chill it for up to three days in the fridge. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before shaping and baking to ensure it rolls easily.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine when paired with a warm cup of tea, especially herbal or chai blends that complement the floral notes of the lavender. For a delightful twist, consider serving them with a lemon-infused icing on top for an extra layer of citrus flavor. Lightly whisk together powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice until it's drizzling consistency, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
For a beautiful presentation, you can decorate the cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. This not only enhances their visual appeal on dessert tables but also adds a touch of sweetness. Try infusing extra lemon zest into any frosting you serve them with to enhance the lemon flavor and tie the dish together perfectly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh lavender?
Yes, fresh lavender can be used, but the flavor may be more intense. Use sparingly.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
→ Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator and then bake as usual.
→ What should I serve these cookies with?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, especially herbal varieties like chamomile or lavender tea.
Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
I’ve always been captivated by the unique flavor combination of lavender and lemon, so I decided to craft a delicious sugar cookie that captures this essence. These Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies are not only aromatic but also refreshing, making them perfect for any occasion. The delicate balance of floral notes and zesty lemon will transport you to a sunny garden with every bite. I love serving them with tea or as a delightful treat for guests at gatherings. They're simple to make, and the results are simply delightful!
What You'll Need
Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Mix in the dried lavender.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze on top of the cooled cookies. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until you achieve a drizzle consistency. Also, ensure the lavender you use is culinary-grade to avoid any harmful effects.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g