As I gently pull the fragrant cookies from the oven, the sweet scent of lemons and lavender fills my kitchen, transporting me to a sun-drenched Mediterranean garden. These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies have a delightful balance of zesty brightness and floral notes that make them a truly unique treat. Perfect for those moments when you crave a quick, homemade delight, this recipe comes together in just a little over an hour and can easily impress guests at your next gathering. Plus, the cookies are freezer-friendly, meaning you can bake a batch and enjoy their buttery goodness whenever the mood strikes. Ready to elevate your baking game with this elegant twist on a classic? Let’s dive into the world of deliciousness together!
Why Make Iced Lemon Lavender Cookies?
Bright, Unique Flavor: The delightful combination of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender offers a unique twist that tantalizes your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you'll have a batch of these elegant cookies ready to impress.
Chill Time: Preparing the dough ahead of time allows you to enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever you wish. Plus, the chilling step ensures a perfect texture!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a tea party or simply savoring a quiet evening, these cookies add sophistication to any table.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake once, and enjoy them later! Just freeze and thaw for an instant treat.
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake these delightful cookies!
For the Dough
- Butter – 1 cup; softens at room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar – 1 cup; adds sweetness and a fine texture that’s perfect for shortbread.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups; the foundation of your cookies that gives them structure.
- Fresh Lemon Zest – 1 tablespoon; enhances the lemon flavor for a bright, zesty kick.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons; balances sweetness with a refreshing tartness.
- Dried Culinary Lavender – 1 tablespoon; infuses your cookies with a subtle floral aroma.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon; enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar – 1 cup; creates a smooth icing that adds a sweet finish to your cookies.
- Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons; adds a touch of tanginess to the icing while keeping it pourable.
With these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies ingredients, you're sure to create a memorable treat that brightens any day!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot for baking. This temperature is ideal for creating those beautifully crisp edges while keeping the centers tender. While the oven is heating, gather your mixing bowl and other ingredients to prepare for the cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The fluffy texture is key for your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, as it helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, along with the fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, dried culinary lavender, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold these ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should hold together and not be sticky.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. This step ensures the dough firms up, making it easier to slice into rounds later and contributes to the cookies' beautiful texture.
Step 5: Slice and Arrange
After 30 minutes, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for slight spreading while baking. Visualize the sweet harmony of the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies as they await their time in the oven!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden around the edges. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes—the perfect cookies will be firm to the touch but still soft in the center, radiating a tantalizing aroma.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process allows the flavors to settle and the cookies to firm up even more before icing.
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and pourable, ensuring there are no lumps. The icing will add that delightful finishing touch to your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.
Step 9: Drizzle the Icing
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon icing over each cookie using a spoon. Allow the icing to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This final step transforms your cookies into a gorgeous, sweet treat, ready to be enjoyed.
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies by making a few easy changes!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring your cookies remain just as delicious.
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Honey Sweetened: Replace the powdered sugar with honey for a subtly floral sweetness. Just adjust the flour to maintain dough consistency.
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Herb-Infused: Swap lavender for dried rosemary or thyme for a savory twist, perfect for savory palates. This unexpected flavor will delight!
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Citrus Burst: Add a dash of orange zest to enhance the citrus flavor and make the cookies even more vibrant. The combination truly shines with both zests.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate to drizzle over the iced cookies for a decadent finish. It beautifully complements the lemon's brightness!
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Lavender Earl Grey: Infuse the butter with Earl Grey tea for an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the floral notes of lavender. Just steep the tea in warm butter first!
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Spicy Kick: For a warm twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. This unexpected heat creates an exciting flavor contrast!
Feel inspired? With these variations, your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies will never get boring! Whether you pair them with a delightful cup of tea or serve them at your next gathering, the possibilities are endless. And if you love unique flavor combinations, don't miss my guide on creating tantalizing floral desserts!
Make Ahead Options
These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by shaping it into a log and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This not only saves time but also helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you’d like to store them longer, freeze the wrapped log for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply slice the dough into rounds while frozen and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Just like that, you'll have heavenly, fresh-baked cookies with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
How to Store and Freeze Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re well-wrapped or in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking.
Reheating: For a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, reheat cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they warm up!
What to Serve with Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Indulging in these delicate cookies evokes sun-kissed afternoons and garden parties under blooming trees, making it essential to pair them with delightful accompaniments.
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Herbal Tea: The calming notes of chamomile or a refreshing mint tea enhance the floral lavender, creating a serene experience.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of berries and citrus not only adds vibrant freshness but also complements the citrusy zing of the cookies. The juiciness of strawberries or oranges contrasts beautifully with the buttery texture of shortbread.
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Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses, particularly goat or cream cheese, pair magnificently with these cookies, offering creamy bites that balance sweetness and richness. Adding a drizzle of honey over the cheese elevates the pairing even more!
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Lemonade: A chilled glass of homemade lemonade brings out the bright lemon flavor in the cookies while providing a refreshing sip on warm days.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. The coolness of the ice cream beautifully offsets the buttery warmth of the cookies.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: For a bubbly, refreshing touch, flavored sparkling water adds a fizzy lift that plays wonderfully with lemon-lavender notes.
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Shortcake with Berries: Pair with a light shortcake topped with fresh berries to create a harmonious dessert experience, balancing sweetness with acidity.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of dark chocolate over the cookies can amplify the flavor profile, adding a rich, decadent contrast.
Choose any of these pairings to elevate your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies into a delightful full meal!
Expert Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
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Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh butter and high-quality culinary lavender elevate the flavor of your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. Always opt for fresh zest for a vibrant taste!
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Don't Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, losing that delicate shortbread texture you desire.
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Perfect Chilling: Ensure you chill the dough thoroughly before slicing. This helps maintain the shape while baking and contributes to a tender crumb.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden on the edges to guarantee a soft center.
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Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing. Icing warm cookies can cause the glaze to melt and lose its shape.
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Storage Tips: For freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container. These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe. It allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies and ensures a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing!
How should I store the cookies after baking?
For best freshness, store the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the cookies, and how?
Certainly! To freeze your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, first let the cookies cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Oh no! If your cookies spread too much in the oven, it could be because your butter was too warm or not chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly for 30 minutes before slicing. Also, ensure you're using the right amount of flour. Too little flour can cause cookies to thin out.
Is there a substitute for lavender if I have allergies?
Very much so! If you, or someone you’re baking for, has allergies to lavender, you can skip it altogether or replace it with an equal amount of dried culinary chamomile for a floral note. Alternatively, consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or a splash of vanilla extract for unique flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, I truly recommend fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The bright, zesty taste elevates the cookies and balances the sweetness beautifully. Fresh lemon zest should definitely also come from fresh lemons for that zesty kick!
Delightful Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, dried culinary lavender, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gently fold these ingredients together until just combined.
- Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- After chilling, slice the dough into rounds about ¼ inch thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the icing over each cooled cookie using a spoon and allow to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
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