Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal techniques and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible to everyone from beginners to seasoned pros.
  • Burst of Refreshing Flavors: Combining zesty lemon and delicate lavender creates a unique taste experience that's both sophisticated and delightfully surprising, elevating the classic shortbread cookie.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies shine at various gatherings – from afternoon tea parties to casual get-togethers, impressing guests with their elegant appearance and sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Simple Ingredient Magic: Minimal ingredients that are likely already in your pantry transform into an extraordinary treat, proving that delicious desserts don't require complicated shopping lists or expensive components.

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe Ingredient Guide

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and body of the shortbread cookie.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, crumbly texture for the cookies.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the delicate texture of the shortbread.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note that adds freshness to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Offers a warm, classic background flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Culinary Lavender Buds: Introduces a subtle floral essence that makes these cookies unique.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the shortbread.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Lemon Juice: Creates a tangy, smooth icing that adds a zesty coating to the cookies.
  • Additional Lavender Buds: Provides a decorative and aromatic garnish for the finished cookies.

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:
  • Lemon zest
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Introduce Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Culinary lavender buds

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:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Lemon juice

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

  • Manage Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect cookie texture and easy mixing.
  • Protect Lavender Flavor: Use culinary-grade lavender buds to maintain a delicate, authentic taste without bitterness.
  • Control Icing Consistency: Adjust lemon juice and powdered sugar gradually to achieve the ideal drizzling thickness for smooth cookie decoration.
  • Prevent Overworking Dough: Mix ingredients gently and minimally to keep shortbread tender and prevent tough cookies.
  • Store for Freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crisp texture and flavor.

Creative Spins On Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Lavender Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the rich, buttery texture.
  • Vegan Lavender Sunshine: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based powdered sugar to create a dairy-free, animal-friendly cookie that's just as delectable.
  • Orange Blossom Variation: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest and add a touch of orange blossom water for a fragrant, citrusy alternative that brings a Mediterranean flair.
  • Rosemary Lemon Crisp: Replace lavender with finely chopped fresh rosemary for a savory-sweet cookie that offers an unexpected herbal complexity.

What Goes Well With Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

  • Brew Floral Tea: Select delicate white tea or chamomile to complement the lavender's subtle aromatics and enhance the cookie's light, refreshing flavor profile.
  • Serve Chilled Prosecco: Crisp, sparkling wine provides elegant effervescence that cuts through the buttery cookie's richness while matching its zesty lemon notes.
  • Create Lavender Honey Lemonade: Craft a homemade beverage using fresh lemon juice, honey, and a touch of lavender syrup to mirror the cookie's signature flavor combination.
  • Select Creamy Vanilla Gelato: Smooth, cool gelato offers a luxurious counterpoint to the crisp shortbread, creating a delightful textural and temperature contrast.

How To Store Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe Right

  • Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing crumbling.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor profile.
  • Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and crispness, avoiding moisture exposure.
  • Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving to restore their original crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

Your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe Questions Answered

  • Are lavender buds edible in this recipe?

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.

  • Can I substitute fresh lavender for dried?

No, fresh lavender has different moisture content and intensity. Always use dried culinary lavender buds for consistent flavor and texture in baking.

  • How do I know if my lavender is culinary grade?

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.

  • What if I don't have culinary lavender?

You can omit lavender entirely or replace it with dried rosemary or thyme for a different herbal twist in your shortbread cookies.

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Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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
  • 23 tablespoons lemon juice

Garnish:

  • Extra lavender buds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent cookie sticking.
  2. Combine softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy with a smooth, creamy texture.
  3. Incorporate lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt into the butter mixture, stirring until the flavors are evenly distributed and well-blended.
  4. Gently fold in flour and culinary lavender buds, mixing minimally to maintain the dough’s delicate texture and prevent toughness.
  5. 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.
  6. Remove chilled dough and slice into uniform squares or rectangles, positioning them carefully on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
  7. 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.
  8. Craft a silky lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice, adjusting consistency to achieve a smooth, drizzleable icing.
  9. Once cookies have completely cooled, elegantly drape the lemon icing across the surface, ensuring even coverage.
  10. Optionally embellish with additional lavender buds, creating a visually appealing and aromatic garnish.
  11. 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)

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

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

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.

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