Description
Delightfully fragrant Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies combining buttery richness with the fresh zest of lemon and subtle floral notes of lavender, topped with a tangy lemon glaze for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
- 1 zest lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Icing and Garnish
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Additional lavender for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick while baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and dried lavender buds into the butter mixture and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the fragrant flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to combine and aerate the dry components.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters or slice into squares for a classic look.
- Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before icing, preventing the glaze from melting.
- Prepare Icing: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, adjusting thickness by adding more sugar or juice as needed for a drizzle consistency.
- Decorate and Set: Drizzle the lemon icing over the cooled cookies and optionally garnish with additional lavender buds. Allow the icing to set fully before serving.
Notes
- Use dried lavender in small amounts to avoid overpowering the cookies; culinary lavender is recommended.
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature to make creaming easier and create a better cookie texture.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days for freshness.
- Optional garnish with lavender adds a lovely visual touch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon lavender shortbread cookies, iced cookies, lemon cookies, lavender cookies, shortbread, floral cookies, lemon glaze
