Lavender Cookies: A Fragrant and Delightful Treat
Lavender Cookies are a wonderfully aromatic treat that combines the sweetness of sugar with the subtle floral notes of dried lavender. With a hint of vanilla and almond, these cookies offer a sophisticated twist on the classic cookie recipe. Perfect for afternoon tea, gifts, or special occasions, lavender cookies are both fragrant and flavorful, making them a unique addition to your dessert repertoire. The dried lavender provides a gentle floral flavor that elevates these cookies to a new level of deliciousness.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
These Lavender Cookies are simple to make and deliver a refreshing, fragrant flavor in every bite. Here’s how to bake them:
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Lavender Cookies: Fragrant and Delicious Floral-Inspired Cookies
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lavender Cookies are delicate, fragrant treats with a subtle floral note, perfect for tea time or as a light dessert. These cookies combine the creamy texture of butter and shortening with the sweet aroma of lavender, creating a unique flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. With a hint of almond and vanilla extract, these cookies are easy to make and a wonderful way to infuse a little elegance into your baking.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1–1/4 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2–1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons dried lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dried lavender flowers, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press down on each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten slightly.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. These cookies will have a soft texture.
- Cool the Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Enjoy these fragrant Lavender Cookies with a cup of tea or as a special treat at your next gathering.
Notes
If you can’t find dried lavender flowers, you can use lavender buds from an herbal store or a specialty market. Make sure they are culinary-grade to ensure they are safe for consumption.
You can also roll the dough into a log, refrigerate it, and then slice it into rounds before baking for a different presentation.
For a sweeter twist, you can glaze the cookies with a simple sugar glaze or dust them with powdered sugar after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Herbal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Lavender Cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, and sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dried lavender flowers, baking powder, and salt. Lavender flowers can be added whole or ground slightly if you prefer a finer texture.
- Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. Be sure not to overmix, as this could result in tough cookies.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 1-1/2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop or shape the dough into rounded balls, then gently flatten them with a fork or the back of a spoon.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft, so be careful not to overbake them.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, enjoy these Lavender Cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate flavor and floral aroma will transport you to a garden in full bloom.
Advanced Techniques
Take your Lavender Cookies to the next level with these advanced techniques:
1. Infuse the Butter with Lavender
For a more intense lavender flavor, you can infuse the butter with dried lavender before using it in the recipe. To do this, heat the butter in a small saucepan over low heat until it melts, then add 1 tablespoon of dried lavender. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to infuse, strain out the lavender, and let it cool before using it in your cookie dough.
2. Add a Lemon Zest Twist
To enhance the flavor profile, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough. The citrus will brighten the lavender’s floral notes and create a refreshing contrast.
3. Decorate with Lavender Sugar
After baking, sprinkle your cookies with lavender-infused sugar for an added touch. Simply mix a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers with 1/4 cup of sugar and use this mixture to sprinkle on top of the cookies before baking or after they’ve cooled.
4. Lavender Glaze
For an extra flourish, you can drizzle a lavender glaze over the cookies. Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of lavender-infused water (or lavender extract) to create a thin glaze, and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a subtle floral sweetness.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Proper storage will help you keep your Lavender Cookies fresh and flavorful for longer:
Storage
Store Lavender Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 1 week. To maintain their freshness, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough before baking, which is perfect for preparing the cookies in advance. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and bake as directed.
How to Keep Them Soft
To ensure your cookies stay soft, store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread helps to retain moisture, keeping your cookies tender for longer.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Here are a few substitutions for various dietary needs:
Gluten-Free Version
To make gluten-free Lavender Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure the cookies hold together.
Dairy-Free Version
For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Ensure that the shortening used is also dairy-free. You can also use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) in place of any dairy-based ingredients, though this will require some experimentation with texture.
Vegan Version
To make these cookies vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use a plant-based butter substitute and make sure the shortening is also plant-based.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender?
It’s best to use dried lavender for baking, as it has a more concentrated flavor. If you use fresh lavender, be sure to dry it out first to avoid too much moisture, which could affect the cookie texture.
2. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your Lavender Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies or dough.
3. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake the cookies as needed.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and structure in the cookies.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Lavender Cookies are a fragrant, elegant treat that combines the unique floral taste of lavender with buttery dough and sweet almond notes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate flavor and soft texture. Ideal for tea parties, gift-giving, or just a relaxing afternoon snack, these cookies offer a refreshing departure from more traditional cookies.
With simple ingredients and a few small tips, you can create a batch of cookies that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Take your baking to a whole new level by incorporating lavender’s subtle sweetness into your treats!