As the sun beckons the first warm days of spring, I find myself yearning for something light and aromatic—a cookie that captures the essence of the season. That's when I turn to my Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. These delightful treats are quick to whip up, making them perfect for an impromptu gathering or an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender creates a unique and refreshing flavor, transforming the ordinary into something special. Not only are they a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but they also bring a touch of elegance to any dessert platter. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a bite of these dreamy cookies in hand while enjoying the sunshine?
Why Make Iced Lemon Lavender Cookies?
Refreshing flavors: The bright zing of lemon paired with the subtle floral notes of lavender creates a truly delightful cookie experience.
Simple to prepare: Even if you're new to baking, you'll find this recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for home cooks of all levels.
Perfect for gatherings: These cookies elevate any event, be it brunch or afternoon tea, with their unique flavor combination sure to impress your guests.
Versatile: Enjoy them as a sweet treat with coffee, or package them beautifully for gifts that are bound to be cherished.
Delightfully aromatic: The inviting scent of lemon and lavender wafts through your kitchen, setting a cheerful mood while you bake.
Bake a batch of these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, and experience the joy that comes with every bite!
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
• Sweet and aromatic ingredients await!
For the Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened – brings a rich creaminess that helps create the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar – adds sweetness with a silky smooth finish, perfect for shortbread.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of your cookies; ensure it’s properly measured for the best results.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances the flavors, making the lemon and lavender pop!
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest – brightens the cookies with a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – adds moisture and a tangy twist that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender – gives a delicate floral note, making these cookies truly special.
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar – creates a smooth, sweet glaze that coats the cookies perfectly.
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice – adds the tangy brightness needed to elevate your icing.
Each ingredient is a step closer to your delightful Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, a treat perfect for home gatherings or quiet afternoons at home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), a crucial step for achieving that perfectly baked texture. While the oven heats up, take the time to gather your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking, ensuring they come out beautifully golden and ready for icing.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter with ⅔ cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. You'll know it's ready when you see a pale, creamy texture that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience in your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Flavor
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture. Then, incorporate 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender. Mix on low speed, just until a soft dough begins to form, ensuring not to overmix. It’s that fragrant infusion that makes these cookies unforgettable!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is formed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step will firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shaping your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies into lovely forms. The coolness also helps enhance the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, take the dough out and roll it into small balls, or use cookie cutters to create shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, to allow for spreading. Each shape should look inviting, hinting at the deliciousness awaiting baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn lightly golden. This visual cue indicates that your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are perfectly baked. The center might appear soft but will set as they cool.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The scent of lemon and lavender will fill your kitchen, a delight in every corner.
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. The icing should flow nicely but maintain its shape when drizzled over the cookies. This luscious glaze will enhance your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, promising a sweet finish.
Step 9: Ice the Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the lemon icing generously over each cookie, allowing it to flow artfully. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more precise application. Watch as your cookies transform into an elegant treat, perfect for sharing or enjoying at home.
Step 10: Let the Icing Set
Allow the icing to harden at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes before stacking the cookies. This ensures that the beautiful glaze stays intact, making your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies even more appealing. Once set, they are ready to be savored alongside your favorite drink or gifted to loved ones!
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 mixing all the ingredients, rolling them into balls or desired shapes, and then refrigerating them until you're ready to bake. For optimal quality, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, simply bake them straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two if needed. The icing can also be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just whisk again before drizzling this bright and zesty glaze over your cookies. Enjoy the convenience of having these aromatic treats ready for any occasion!
What to Serve with Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
There's nothing quite like enjoying a sweet treat that complements the delightful flavors of lemon and floral lavender.
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Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or lavender-infused tea enhances the floral notes in the cookies, making for a serene snack break.
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Lemon Sorbet: The icy, citrusy freshness of lemon sorbet offers a cool contrast, perfect for warm afternoons or backyard gatherings.
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Fresh Berries: Serve with a medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and juicy sweetness that balances the cookies' texture.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Adorning your cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a smooth element, turning your dessert into a luxurious treat.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy, sparkling lemonade livens up the palate and highlights the lemon flavor in the cookies.
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Cheese Platter: Accompany your cookies with a soft cheese like mascarpone or goat cheese, creating a savory-sweet pairing that intrigues the taste buds.
Elevate your afternoon tea or gatherings with these delightful pairings that make each bite of your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies even more enjoyable!
Expert Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Using softened butter is key; cold butter won't properly cream with the sugar, resulting in dense cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the 30-minute chilling step! It helps solidify the butter, making the dough easier to shape and preventing spreading during baking.
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are light golden; they'll continue to set as they cool.
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Icing Consistency: For the perfect drizzle, ensure your icing is smooth but not too runny. Adjust the lemon juice to get just the right thickness for your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.
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Storage Secrets: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
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Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of finely chopped fresh herbs, like thyme, to your dough for a twist on this classic recipe!
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies for a delightful twist!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture without the gluten.
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Honey Sweetened: Swap powdered sugar for honey in the dough for a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor.
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Herbal Citrus: Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme along with the lavender for an aromatic twist.
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Extra Zesty: Incorporate additional lemon zest in both the dough and icing for those who crave a more pronounced citrus flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to add texture and a nutty taste that complements the lavender.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dough for a surprising spicy note that balances the sweetness.
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Lavender-Free: Replace dried lavender with edible dried rose petals for a lovely floral alternative—just a different way to elevate your cookies!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of lemon icing, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a rich and decadent flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies! You might also enjoy them alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or as a sweet surprise in a homemade gift box.
How to Store and Freeze Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and delightful texture.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, store the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to place them in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, layering with parchment paper.
Reheating: Simply let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before enjoying. If you prefer them warm, reheat briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing that lovely flavor to shine again!
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right lemons for my cookies?
Absolutely! Look for bright yellow lemons that feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Avoid lemons with dark spots or wrinkles, as they're signs of ripeness gone by.
What’s the best way to store my Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh and prevent sticking, layer them between sheets of parchment paper. If you want to extend their life, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!
Can I freeze my Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
Very! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, using parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature.
What if my dough seems too sticky or crumbly?
No worries! If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s crumbly, try a teaspoon of milk or water to bring everything together. Just be cautious not to overmix!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you're baking for someone with gluten sensitivity, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Additionally, for those with dairy allergies, using plant-based butter can work in this recipe. Always double-check your ingredients to ensure they accommodate dietary restrictions.
How long will the icing take to set?
After drizzling the icing on your cookies, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes until it hardens. This will keep your cookies looking beautiful and intact when stacking or serving!
Refreshing Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies to Brighten Your Day
Equipment
- Oven
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- parchment paper
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened brings a rich creaminess that helps create the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar adds sweetness with a silky smooth finish.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour the foundation of your cookies.
- ¼ teaspoon salt enhances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest brightens the cookies.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice adds moisture and a tangy twist.
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender gives a delicate floral note.
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice adds the tangy brightness for icing.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and ⅔ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt, followed by 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Shape the chilled dough into small balls or use cookie cutters to create shapes, placing them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth for the icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and let it set for at least 15-20 minutes.
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