Lavender Shortbread Cookies are the epitome of elegance in the world of baking. These delicate, buttery cookies boast a subtle floral flavor that’s not only refreshing but also incredibly comforting. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, afternoon tea, or just because you want something divine, this lavender shortbread cookie recipe is sure to impress.
In this article, we will dive deep into the origin of this recipe, walk you through each step of making these delicious cookies, explore flavor variations, answer frequently asked questions, and offer some helpful tips for perfecting your baking. Let’s begin with understanding this charming dessert.
What Are Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a unique twist on the traditional buttery shortbread. Infused with dried culinary lavender, these cookies carry a delicate floral aroma that beautifully complements the rich and crumbly texture of shortbread. Lavender has long been used in baking for its soothing properties and fragrant flavor, and when paired with the rich, melt-in-your-mouth qualities of shortbread, it creates a truly luxurious treat.
These cookies are not just visually stunning but also offer a subtle sophistication with every bite. They are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and floral notes. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Now that you know what they are, let’s dive into the origins of lavender shortbread cookies.
Origin of Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread, a traditional Scottish biscuit, dates back to the 12th century. Its simplicity is its charm: butter, flour, and sugar, mixed together to form a rich, crumbly texture. While shortbread has been enjoyed across the world for centuries, lavender shortbread is a more recent invention that combines the timeless appeal of shortbread with the floral essence of lavender.
Lavender as a flavoring agent in desserts is a nod to the culinary traditions of France and other Mediterranean countries, where lavender grows in abundance. Adding lavender to shortbread took this classic cookie to a whole new level of elegance and sophistication. Over time, lavender shortbread has become a popular treat at special occasions like weddings, garden parties, and afternoon teas.
Now, let’s get into the fun part – the recipe! Ready to try your hand at making these delightful cookies? Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients for Lavender Shortbread Cookies
For the Shortbread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds (dried, food-grade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended)
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds (for sprinkling on top)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method for Lavender butter cookies
1. Prepare the Lavender
The first step in making lavender shortbread is preparing the lavender buds. Here’s how to do it:
- Grind the lavender: Take the 2 tablespoons of lavender buds and grind them using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. You want them to be finely ground so that they blend seamlessly into the dough.
- Sift the lavender: Pass the ground lavender through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large pieces.
- Set aside: Keep the finely ground lavender powder for adding to your dough.
2. Make the Dough
Next, it’s time to make the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add flavorings: To the butter mixture, beat in the ground lavender, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using).
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; this will help your shortbread stay tender.
- Form dough: Once the dough is combined, gather it into a ball and set it aside.
3. Shape the Shortbread
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape the cookies:
- Choose your shape: You can make these shortbread cookies in three different shapes:
- Round: Shape the dough into two logs, each about 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.
- Rectangle: Press the dough into an 8×6-inch rectangle on parchment paper.
- Traditional: If you’re going for the classic look, press the dough into a 9-inch round tart pan.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the shaped dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help the cookies hold their shape when baking.
4. Preheat and Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Make lavender sugar: In a small bowl, combine the remaining lavender buds with granulated sugar.
5. Slice, Sprinkle, and Bake
Now, it’s time to bake these beautiful cookies:
- Slice the dough:
- For the logs, cut the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- For the rectangle, cut into 2×1-inch rectangles.
- For the round shape, score the dough into wedges before baking.
- Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the lavender sugar.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should remain pale and soft.
- Cool completely on the baking sheets.
6. Enjoy!
Once your cookies have cooled, they are ready to enjoy. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Lavender Shortbread
Lavender Selection and Preparation
- Always use culinary lavender: Only lavender that’s food-grade is safe to eat. Choose Lavandula angustifolia for its pleasant aroma and flavor.
- Fresh or dried lavender: Dried lavender works best in baking. Fresh lavender can be too pungent and overpower the other flavors.
- Grind finely: Make sure to grind your lavender buds finely. Coarse lavender pieces can be unpleasant to bite into.
Dough Handling
- Room temperature butter: The butter should be soft but not melted. This will help it incorporate properly with the sugar.
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It ensures that the dough is firm and easy to slice.
Baking Guidelines
- Low and slow: Bake at 325°F to avoid overbaking or browning the shortbread too much.
- Keep an eye on them: Shortbread can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep a watchful eye on them in the oven.
- Cool before storing: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Flavor Variations of Floral shortbread
Citrus Combinations
- Lemon lavender: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the dough for a zesty citrus twist.
- Orange lavender: Try replacing the lemon zest with orange zest for a different flavor.
- Lime lavender: For a unique variation, use lime zest instead of lemon or orange.
Additional Flavors
- Honey lavender: Swap 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for honey for a softer sweetness.
- Almond lavender: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
- White chocolate lavender: Stir in 1/3 cup of white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
Texture Variations
- Cornmeal: For extra crunch, replace 1/4 cup of flour with cornmeal.
- Rice flour: For a more delicate, tender cookie, substitute 1/4 cup of flour with rice flour.
Decorating Ideas
- Simple finishes: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar, or press tiny lavender sprigs on top before baking.
- Glazes and icings: Consider drizzling lemon glaze, lavender glaze, or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an added touch of sweetness.
Storage and Serving
Storage
- Airtight container: Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. For dough, wrap it in plastic and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions for Lavender butter cookies
- Perfect with tea: These cookies go wonderfully with Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
- Dessert plate: Serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a luxurious dessert.
- Gift giving: Package these cookies in decorative tins with sprigs of dried lavender.
- Occasion-specific: Lavender shortbread is perfect for bridal showers, garden parties, or as a sophisticated treat for any gathering.
Troubleshooting Lavender Shortbread
Common Issues
- Too crumbly: If your dough is too crumbly, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of milk or cream.
- Too soft: If your dough is too soft to handle, add 2-3 tablespoons of flour.
- Overpowering lavender: If the lavender flavor is too strong, reduce the amount next time and balance with lemon zest.
Texture Problems
- Tough cookies: This usually happens if the dough is overmixed. Be sure to mix until just combined.
- Uneven baking: For even baking, ensure that your cookies are sliced to uniform thickness.
- Pale cookies: If your cookies remain too pale, increase the oven temperature by 25°F.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough preparation: You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
- Slice and freeze: Freeze the dough slices before baking to have fresh cookies any time you want.
Conclusion: Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for any occasion. With their unique blend of buttery texture and floral lavender flavor, they’re sure to impress your guests or make for a beautiful homemade gift. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations like citrus or honey, these cookies are versatile and simple to make. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the wonderful world of lavender shortbread cookies!
Print
Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe: A Delightful Floral Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Shortbread, a traditional Scottish biscuit, dates back to the 12th century. Its simplicity is its charm: butter, flour, and sugar, mixed together to form a rich, crumbly texture. While shortbread has been enjoyed across the world for centuries, lavender shortbread is a more recent invention that combines the timeless appeal of shortbread with the floral essence of lavender.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds (dried, food-grade)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended)
For Finishing
-
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
Prepare the Lavender
- Grind lavender: Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, finely grind 2 tablespoons of lavender buds until powdery
- Sift: Pass ground lavender through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large pieces
- Set aside: Reserve the fine lavender powder for the dough
Make the Dough
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes)
- Add flavorings: Beat in ground lavender, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using)
- Combine: Gradually mix in flour mixture until just combined (don’t overmix)
- Form dough: Gather dough into a ball
Shape the Shortbread
- Choose your method:
- Round: Shape into 2 logs (8 inches long, 2 inches diameter)
- Rectangle: Press into 8×6-inch rectangle on parchment
- Traditional: Press into 9-inch round tart pan
Chill and Prepare
- Wrap and chill: Wrap shaped dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Make lavender sugar: Mix granulated sugar with remaining lavender buds
Cut and Bake
- Slice or cut:
- Logs: Cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- Rectangle: Cut into 2×1-inch rectangles
- Round: Score into wedges before baking
- Arrange: Place on baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart
- Sprinkle: Lightly sprinkle tops with lavender sugar
- Bake: 18-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden (centers should still be pale)
- Cool: Let cool completely on baking sheets
Notes
For extra flavor, drizzle the cooled cookies with a light lemon glaze or dip one end in white chocolate. Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp and fragrant for days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
