Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Have you ever wanted a cookie that feels calm and special at the same time? That’s how I feel about Lavender Shortbread Cookies. They’re buttery, crisp, and have just the right hint of floral flavor.

I love how the lavender adds a soft, relaxing taste. It’s not too strong, just enough to make each bite feel different and kind of fancy. They melt in your mouth in the best way.

And honestly, they pair so well with tea or coffee. I like making them when I want something simple but a little more unique. It feels like a treat and comfort all in one.

So, if you’re ready to bake cookies that are delicate, pretty, and so tasty, let’s make these Lavender Shortbread Cookies together. They’re a little special, and I know you’ll love them too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: These cookies are a hit with anyone who loves a fragrant, subtle, and sophisticated dessert. One reader said, “These cookies are like a little piece of heaven.”
• Buttery and Tender: The perfect balance of butter and sugar, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
• Perfectly Infused with Lavender: The lavender flavor is balanced, so it’s noticeable without being overpowering.
• Quick to Make: You can have a batch of these cookies ready in just over an hour, making them a great last-minute treat.
• Great for Gifting: Whether wrapped up for a friend or served at a party, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin making these Lavender Shortbread Cookies, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar together.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you’re using the right amount of each ingredient.
• Baking Sheets: To place the cookies on while they bake.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: For easy removal of the cookies from the baking sheets and to avoid sticking.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly for a consistent cookie thickness.
• Cookie Cutters (Optional): If you’d like to cut your cookies into fun shapes, like hearts, stars, or rounds.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicately flavored cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Dried Lavender: The star ingredient. Use culinary-grade lavender for the best flavor.
• Salted Butter (Room Temperature): The base of all shortbread cookies. It gives them their signature rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough. You’ll also need extra sugar for rolling the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a warm aroma to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any shortbread dough. It ensures the cookies hold their shape and have the right crumbly texture.

Variations for Lavender Shortbread Cookies

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to add a twist to this recipe, here are a few variations to try:

• Lemon Lavender: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy burst that pairs perfectly with the lavender.
• Chocolate-Dipped Lavender Shortbread: After baking, dip the cookies in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
• Rosemary Lavender: For a more herbaceous flavor, add finely chopped fresh rosemary along with the lavender.
• Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread: For a tea-inspired cookie, mix in some finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves with the lavender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Infuse the Lavender

Start by infusing the dried lavender into the butter. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter. Add the dried lavender to the butter and stir occasionally. Let the lavender infuse for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll begin to smell the floral aroma wafting through your kitchen. Once the butter is infused, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This is an important step for creating a light, tender texture in your cookies.

3. Add Vanilla and Lavender Butter

Now, add in the vanilla extract and the cooled lavender-infused butter. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined.

4. Incorporate the Flour

Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you might get a flour cloud in your kitchen! Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, dust it lightly with more flour. Once rolled out, use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies however you like—round, square, or any fun shape you prefer.

6. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is essential for shortbread cookies to retain their shape during baking. Place the cut-out cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help prevent the dough from spreading too much in the oven.

7. Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is a low temperature that ensures the cookies bake slowly, giving them their signature tender crumb.

8. Bake the Cookies

After chilling, take the cookies out of the fridge and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. These cookies are meant to be light and tender, so they shouldn’t brown too much.

9. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With Tea: Lavender shortbread is a perfect pairing with tea, especially Earl Grey, chamomile, or any herbal blend.
• As a Gift: Pack them in a beautiful tin or box with a ribbon to give as a thoughtful homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion.
• With Fruit and Cream: Serve the cookies with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light dessert.
• At a Party: Lavender shortbread cookies add a touch of elegance to any gathering, whether it’s a bridal shower, garden party, or tea party.

Storing Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Be sure they are fully cooled before storing.
• Freezing: If you have extra dough or cookies, freeze them for later. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, place it in a resealable bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain freshness.
• Thawing: To thaw, let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Frozen dough can be rolled and cut straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Lavender Shortbread Cookies Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie (out of 24)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	120 kcal
Carbohydrates	14 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Sodium	50 mg
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugars	6 g
Calcium	10 mg
Iron	0.5 mg

Lavender Shortbread Cookies FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender?

It’s best to use dried lavender, as it has a more concentrated flavor. If you use fresh, the flavor may be too subtle, and the texture could be different.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend you choose is designed for baking, and be sure to check the consistency of the dough.

How can I make these cookies sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can increase the sugar by 1/4 cup. You could also dust the cookies with powdered sugar after they bake for a more delicate finish.

Can I add a glaze to these cookies?

Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice can be drizzled over the cookies for extra sweetness and decoration.

Conclusion

Lavender Shortbread Cookies are an elevated and unique treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their delicate flavor profile and buttery texture make them a timeless classic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Give these lavender-infused cookies a try, and they’ll surely become a favorite in your cookie repertoire!