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A stack of delicious Lemon Lavender Cookies with purple frosting, lemon zest, and dried lavender buds on a wooden board with fresh lemons.
Linda

Zesty Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These delightful Lemon Lavender Cookies offer a perfect balance of bright citrus zest and delicate floral notes, creating a uniquely elegant and irresistibly buttery treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 165

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp Lemon zest from 2 large lemons
  • 2 tsp Dried culinary lavender finely crushed
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
For the Lemon Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp Fresh lemon juice as needed
  • 1/4 tsp Dried culinary lavender finely crushed, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester/Microplane
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Prepare the Cookie Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the lemon zest and finely crushed culinary lavender to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the butter to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Bake the Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Remove one dough log from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies should still be pale. Do not overbake.
  4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the second dough log.
Make the Lemon Glaze
  1. While the cookies cool, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it's too thin, until you reach a drizzling consistency.
  2. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over them using a spoon or a small whisk. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of finely crushed culinary lavender on top of the wet glaze for an extra touch.
  3. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

For the best lavender flavor, ensure your culinary lavender is fresh and finely crushed. You can use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough logs can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw slightly in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.