Quick Overview
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the bright taste of citrus with the floral hints of lavender, this Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe is your answer. These cookies capture the essence of spring and summer in every bite. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a gift for friends and family, they are easy to make and sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy a cookie that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredient Breakdown
Flour
For this recipe, you will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour. This serves as the base for your cookies, providing structure and texture. Make sure to sift it before measuring to avoid clumps.
Sugar
You’ll require ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in your shortbread cookies. It also contributes to the lovely golden color during baking.
Butter
Use 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter at room temperature. Butter gives your cookies their rich flavor and crumbly texture. Room temperature butter mixes more easily with other ingredients.
Lemon Zest
Add 2 tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest. The zest infuses your cookies with bright citrus flavor without adding extra moisture. Always use fresh lemons for the best taste.
Dried Lavender
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender buds. This ingredient adds a unique floral note that complements the lemon beautifully. Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender for safety and flavor.
Powdered Sugar
Prepare 1 cup of powdered sugar for icing. Powdered sugar creates a smooth glaze that adds sweetness and visual appeal to your cookies once they are baked and cooled.
Milk
You will need 1-2 tablespoons of milk for the icing consistency. Milk allows you to adjust the thickness of your icing so that it drizzles perfectly over your cookies.
Step By Step Recipe: Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden brown color in your cookies. Preheating is crucial for consistent results.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour and dried lavender until fully combined. This step helps distribute the lavender evenly throughout the flour mixture, ensuring every bite has that delightful floral hint.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes and incorporates air into the mixture for a lighter cookie texture.
Mix in Lemon Zest
Add in the freshly grated lemon zest to the creamed mixture and mix well until fully incorporated. The aroma should be fresh and invigorating at this point – a sure sign that your dough will be flavorful!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour-lavender mixture into the creamed butter-sugar mixture while mixing on low speed or folding gently by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies.
Shape Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart since they will spread while baking. You can roll them into balls or flatten them slightly with your fingers if you prefer a specific shape.
Bake Cookies
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain pale. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can dry out these delicate treats.
Cool on Wire Rack
Once baked, remove from oven and allow them to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling on racks prevents sogginess from steam buildup underneath.
Prepare Icing
While cooling, combine powdered sugar with milk in a small bowl until smooth and drizzle-able consistency is achieved. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if necessary until you reach desired texture for icing over cookies.
Ice Cookies
Once cooled completely, drizzle icing over each cookie using a fork or piping bag for more control over design if desired. Allow icing to set at room temperature before serving or storing them away.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
These iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies are delightful served alongside tea or coffee during afternoon gatherings or simply enjoyed as an everyday treat at home! Their elegant look makes them perfect for special occasions like bridal showers or garden parties too!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week; however, they may lose some crispness over time due to humidity exposure when stored improperly so ensure they stay sealed well!
By following this guide closely while preparing these delicious rings of joy you will surely impress anyone who takes a bite! Enjoy making this Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe today!
Mistakes to avoid
When making the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, avoid using dried lavender that is not meant for culinary purposes. Some lavender varieties can be overly bitter or contain pesticides. Always choose culinary-grade lavender to ensure safety and flavor.
Another mistake is not chilling the dough before baking. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much during baking, resulting in a flat and less appealing cookie.
Be cautious with the lemon juice; using too much can make the cookie dough overly wet. This moisture can lead to a softer cookie that doesn’t hold its shape properly. Measure carefully and adjust based on your preferences.
Overbaking is another common mistake. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Lastly, don’t forget to properly store your cookies after they cool down. Storing them in an airtight container will keep them fresh longer. If you leave them exposed, they may become stale or lose their delightful flavor.
Tips and tricks
To achieve perfectly flavored Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, consider infusing your butter with lavender before mixing it into the dough. Simply melt the butter and add dried culinary lavender. Allow it to steep for about 30 minutes before straining it back into solid form. This method intensifies the lavender flavor while keeping your cookies moist.
When it comes to zesting lemons, use a microplane or fine grater for optimal results. This technique produces finer zest that blends seamlessly into your cookie dough. Fresh lemon zest adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile of your cookies, making each bite refreshing.
If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, consider adding lemon extract alongside fresh lemon juice in your recipe. The extract can amplify citrus notes without adding excess liquid to your dough, which could alter its consistency.
For decoration, consider icing your shortbread cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle this glaze over cooled cookies for a beautiful finish that also enhances their sweetness and ties together all flavors harmoniously.
Lastly, experiment with different toppings like crushed lavender buds or colorful sprinkles on top of your iced cookies for added visual appeal and texture. These finishing touches make your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies not only delicious but also stunningly beautiful when served at gatherings or as gifts.
Suggestions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
When preparing Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, opt for high-quality ingredients for the best results. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your dough, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. Fresh lemons will yield more juice and zest than bottled options, giving you vibrant citrus notes in every bite.
Consider pairing these cookies with complementary beverages like herbal tea or lemonade to enhance their flavors further. The subtle floral notes of lavender alongside tart lemon create an uplifting experience perfect for afternoon tea or summer gatherings.
For those looking for a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blends available in stores. Adjustments may be necessary regarding baking time as these alternatives can behave differently during cooking.
If you’re planning to serve these cookies at a special event or celebration, try packaging them in decorative boxes tied with ribbons as homemade gifts. This adds a personal touch that friends and family will appreciate while enjoying these delightful treats.
Finally, if storing leftovers, place layers of parchment paper between cookies in an airtight container to prevent sticking together while preserving their delicate texture over time.
FAQs
What type of lavender should I use for this recipe?
For making Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, always opt for culinary-grade lavender. This variety is safe for consumption and offers a pleasant aroma without any bitterness associated with ornamental types of lavender. Ensure it’s pesticide-free by purchasing from reputable sources specializing in edible herbs or organic products.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice is convenient, using fresh lemons is highly recommended for this recipe. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides brighter flavors and essential oils found in the zest that enhance overall taste quality in your iced shortbread cookies significantly compared to bottled versions.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges yet still soft in the center after removing them from the oven. They will firm up slightly as they cool on the baking sheet; avoid overbaking to maintain tenderness!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies either before or after icing them. For best results, place baked and cooled cookies into an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper before freezing them individually wrapped for later enjoyment.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies remain fresh for about one week. For extended freshness beyond that time frame, consider freezing them until you’re ready to serve!
Are there any substitutions for butter?
If you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives in your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies recipe, you can use coconut oil or vegan margarine instead of butter while maintaining similar textures during baking! Be aware this might slightly alter flavor profiles but still yield delicious results!
Summary
In summary, making Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies requires careful attention to detail throughout each step of preparation and baking processes while avoiding common mistakes like improper ingredient choices or overbaking techniques mentioned earlier! By following tips shared here regarding storage methods alongside thoughtful suggestions about ingredient substitutions—these delightful treats will surely impress anyone who tastes them!
Print
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight your senses with these fragrant Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. The perfect balance of buttery, zesty, and floral flavors makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add in the flour, salt, lavender buds, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
4. Roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
7. For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
Ensure that you use culinary-grade lavender for flavoring your cookies. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: cookies, shortbread, lemon, lavender, iced