Sweet & Zesty Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Baking these delightful iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies will transport you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean garden.
Fragrant herbs blend seamlessly with buttery, crumbly textures that melt on your tongue.
Sweet and tangy notes dance together, creating a sophisticated treat perfect for afternoon tea.
Delicate lavender whispers through each bite, complementing bright citrus undertones.
Crisp edges and soft centers make these cookies irresistibly charming.
Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a memorable culinary experience.
You’ll want to savor every delicate, aromatic crumb of this elegant dessert.
Why Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe Is A Standout
Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe Ingredient Guide
Base Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers:Finishing Ingredients:How To Make Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Create a Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer or whisk for best results.
Step 3: Enhance the Flavor Profile
Incorporate these ingredients into the butter mixture:Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Introduce Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in:Mix carefully to prevent overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape into a rectangular block about 1/2 inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough and make cutting easier.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator. Cut into desired shapes – squares or rectangles work great. Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges as your sign of doneness. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Whip Up the Zesty Glaze
Create a smooth icing by whisking together:Adjust consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.
Step 9: Dress the Cookies
Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over each cookie. Let the icing add a bright, tangy finish to your treats.
Step 10: Add a Finishing Touch
Sprinkle a few extra lavender buds on top of the iced cookies for a beautiful and elegant presentation.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the icing to set for a short while. Serve these delightful Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies to friends and family, and watch them disappear!
Helpful Tips For Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
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Your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe Questions Answered
Yes, culinary lavender buds are safe and add a delicate floral note to the shortbread cookies. Only use food-grade lavender specifically meant for cooking.
No, fresh lavender has different moisture content and intensity. Always use dried culinary lavender buds for consistent flavor and texture in baking.
Culinary lavender is typically labeled as such and comes from Lavandula angustifolia varieties. Check packaging or buy from reputable spice and herb suppliers to ensure food safety.
You can omit lavender entirely or replace it with dried rosemary or thyme for a different herbal twist in your shortbread cookies.
PrintIced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 52-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Sweet, delicate Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies blend Mediterranean zest with floral elegance. Buttery, crisp cookies deliver a refreshing balance of citrus and lavender, promising a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delicate bite.
Ingredients
Cookies:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (80 grams) powdered sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
Garnish:
- Extra lavender buds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent cookie sticking.
- Combine softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Incorporate lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt into the butter mixture, stirring until the flavors are evenly distributed and well-blended.
- Gently fold in flour and culinary lavender buds, mixing minimally to maintain the dough’s delicate texture and prevent toughness.
- Shape the dough into a rectangular form approximately 1/2 inch thick, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance cutting precision and maintain structural integrity.
- Remove chilled dough and slice into uniform squares or rectangles, positioning them carefully on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown, allowing cookies to rest briefly on the tray before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Craft a silky lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice, adjusting consistency to achieve a smooth, drizzleable icing.
- Once cookies have completely cooled, elegantly drape the lemon icing across the surface, ensuring even coverage.
- Optionally embellish with additional lavender buds, creating a visually appealing and aromatic garnish.
- Allow icing to set before serving, presenting a sophisticated and delightful culinary creation perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Swap butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version, ensuring the texture remains crumbly and delicate.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the classic shortbread melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Grind lavender buds finely to prevent overwhelming floral notes and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to preserve their delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)
Senior Food Editor
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.