Name: Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies for Sweet Serenity
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for melt-in-your-mouth consistency); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (balances sweetness); 2 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure); 1/4 tsp salt (enhances flavors); 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adds a zesty kick); 2 tsp lemon zest (intensifies flavor); 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender (infuses floral notes); 1 cup powdered sugar (for a smooth glaze); 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for consistency and flavor)

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The refreshing scent of lemon and fragrant lavender wafting from the oven is enough to transport me to a sun-drenched garden in full bloom. That’s exactly what I crave when I bake these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a wonderful escape from the ordinary cookie experience. With just a quick 10 minutes of prep time, you can produce a batch of cookies that are elegant, yet approachable—perfect for impressing guests at a tea party or enjoying with your afternoon cup of coffee. Plus, they’re easy to freeze, so you can always have a few on hand for unexpected cravings. Are you ready to add a touch of sunshine to your baking?

Why Will You Love These Cookies?

Simplicity: The ingredient list is short, making this recipe easy to follow for home bakers of all skill levels.

Zesty Refreshment: The bright notes of lemon combined with floral lavender elevate traditional shortbread into an elegant treat.

Versatile Appeal: Whether for a brunch, dessert table, or a quiet evening at home, these cookies cater to every occasion.

Freezer-Friendly: Whip up a batch and store them for later enjoyment, ensuring you always have a sweet surprise ready.

Culinary Adventure: Infusing culinary lavender opens up a whole new world of flavors in your baking repertoire.

With these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, every bite is a delightful experience! Don’t forget to try more delightful options like our Homemade Biscotti for a crunchy accompaniment to your tea.

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened; essential for rich flavor and a tender texture.
• Powdered sugar – ½ cup; gives the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Granulated sugar – ¼ cup; balances sweetness and helps achieve perfect browning.
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups; the backbone of the cookie, providing structure and stability.
• Salt – ¼ tsp; enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Fresh lemon juice – 2 tbsp; adds a zesty kick that brightens the overall taste.
• Lemon zest – 2 tsp; intensifies the lemon flavor and aroma in every bite.
• Dried culinary lavender – 1 tbsp; infuses a delicate floral note to your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

For the Icing
• Powdered sugar – 1 cup; creates a smooth glaze perfect for drizzling.
• Fresh lemon juice – 2-3 tbsp; ensures the icing has the right consistency and a zesty flavor.

Get ready to indulge in these delightful cookies, bringing a touch of sunshine to your baking adventures!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures a consistent temperature for baking your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. While the oven warms, gather your mixing bowl and other baking equipment, like a whisk and baking sheet lined with parchment paper, to streamline your process.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll want the sugars nicely incorporated for that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will begin to come together, and you want to avoid overmixing, which could toughen your cookies.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Lavender
Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The floral scent mingling with the citrus will elevate your shortbread cookies to a fragrant delight.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a log and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice. While the dough chills, clean your workspace and prepare your baking sheet for the next steps.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange Cookies
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between to allow for spreading while baking. Your dough should look beautifully round and firm at this stage.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as you want the cookies to retain their pale color while allowing that perfect golden edge to form, signaling they're done.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies
After baking, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is vital to ensure the structure fully sets before you add the icing. The aroma of your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies will fill your kitchen beautifully during this time.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing
While your cookies cool, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Aim for a smooth consistency that’s thick but pourable. This lemon icing will add an extra zesty sheen to your cookies, making them even more irresistible.

Step 10: Drizzle the Icing
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the prepared icing over the top of each cookie. Feel free to sprinkle a bit of additional lavender if desired for a beautiful finish. This step adds elegance and a touch of sweetness to your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a perfect treat to prepare in advance, saving you precious time on busy days! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead of time by shaping it into a log, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerating. The flavors will meld beautifully, ensuring they are just as delightful when baked. Additionally, once baked and cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply drizzle the icing over the cookies and enjoy a moment of sweet serenity without the last-minute scramble!

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to sprinkle some creativity into your baking with these delightful twists on the classic recipe!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option. The cookies will still offer a delightful crunch and buttery flavor.
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh rosemary or thyme instead of lavender for an aromatic spin that pairs beautifully with the lemon. The savory notes will elevate the cookie and pique your interest.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, into the dough for an unexpected texture. This adds a lovely crunch and complements the sweet and floral notes.
Decadent Chocolate: Swirl some melted chocolate into your icing or add chocolate chunks to the cookie dough for a rich contrast against the lemon. Who doesn’t love the harmony of lemon and dark chocolate?
Citrus Twist: Mix in a touch of orange or lime zest along with the lemon zest for a vibrant citrus bouquet. It provides a refreshing zing that dances on your palate and brightens the cookie's character.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or ginger powder into the dough for a warm, spicy undertone that beautifully complements the citrus and lavender. It’s a fun twist that makes your cookies truly unique.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and a dairy-free powdered sugar for a vegan version. You won’t lose the rich flavor, and the coconut adds a delightful twist.
Addition of Cream Cheese: Fold in ¼ cup of softened cream cheese into the dough for a richer texture. It will make your cookies even more melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Now, as you explore these variations, consider pairing your cookies with a warm cup of tea or our cozy Homemade Biscotti to complete your sweet treat experience!

How to Store and Freeze Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they're well-wrapped to avoid moisture.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies and give them a freshly baked feel.

What to Serve with Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

The fragrant allure of lemon and lavender creates a sweet charm at your table, making every bite a sunny escape.

Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea beautifully complements the floral notes of the cookies while adding a soothing touch.
Fresh Berries: A mixed berry medley provides a juicy contrast to the buttery texture, enhancing the freshness in every bite.
Creamy Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds richness, creating a delightful contrast with the cookies’ lightness.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with citrus segments harmonizes perfectly, complementing the cookies' floral flavors for a light dessert.
Sparkling Lemonade: The fizzy, zesty notes of sparkling lemonade mirror the flavors in the cookies, making a joyful pairing for sunny afternoons.
Lavender-Infused Lemonade: Elevate your drink game with lavender lemonade that echoes the cookie's floral essence, enhancing the whole experience beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with lemon syrup can be a delightful treat, offering a creamy taste to balance the zesty cookie.
Almond Biscotti: For a crunchy complement, serve some almond biscotti alongside; their nutty flavor pairs well with the sweet lemony cookies.

Indulging in these pairings will create a delightful spread, making any occasion feel particularly special!

Expert Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Chill the Dough: Properly chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps maintain shape and enhances the texture. Don't skip this step!

Don’t Overmix: When incorporating flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender bite you desire in your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

Watch the Baking Time: Each oven is different! Check your cookies at the 12-minute mark to prevent over-baking. They should have slightly golden edges and a pale center.

Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing. This prevents the frosting from melting into the cookies and losing its beautiful drizzle effect.

Opt for Quality Ingredients: Use fresh lemons and high-quality culinary lavender for the best flavor. This makes a noticeable difference in your finished cookies.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating the most delightful Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies you can share (or keep all to yourself!).

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

How can I ensure my lavender is safe to use in cooking?
Absolutely! When choosing lavender for your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, make sure it's labeled as culinary lavender. This means it's specifically grown for consumption and free from pesticides. Dried culinary lavender, like English or French varieties, can often be found in specialty herb shops or online.

How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This method helps maintain their delicate texture and flavor. If they last longer than that (though I doubt they will!), consider placing them in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for another week or two if properly wrapped.

Can I freeze the cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these delightful cookies! First, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until they’re solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

What if my dough seems too sticky?
A slightly sticky dough can happen, especially if the butter was too warm. If your dough is unmanageable, sprinkle a bit more flour while kneading until it holds together better. Just be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the final texture. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it, and chill for about 30 minutes to help it firm up.

Are there any dietary considerations I need to be aware of?
Absolutely! If you're baking for someone with dietary restrictions, be sure to check if they have allergies to any of the ingredients. The cookies contain butter and wheat, which can be problematic for those with dairy or gluten allergies. You might consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and dairy-free butter substitutes for those with dairy or gluten sensitivities.

Can I use other flavors or extracts instead of lemon?
Very! While lemon and lavender make a lovely combination, feel free to experiment with other flavors. Orange zest could add a vibrant citrus alternative, while a dash of vanilla extract can create a warmer taste profile. Just be sure to balance the sweetness of the icing to match any flavor changes you make.