Lemon Lavender Cookies (Print Version)
Buttery treats with bright lemon zest and fragrant lavender, ideal for afternoon tea time.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Flavorings
04 - 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
05 - Zest of 2 lemons
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a small bowl, combine lemon zest and dried lavender. Rub together gently with fingertips to release essential oils and distribute flavors.
04 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
05 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
06 - Stir in the lemon zest and lavender mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
07 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix.
08 - Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
09 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers should still appear slightly soft.
10 - Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The balance of bright lemon and subtle lavender feels like something you'd order at a fancy bakery
- These cookies come together in under 40 minutes but taste like you spent all afternoon on them
- They stay perfectly soft for days, making them excellent for sharing or keeping all to yourself
02 -
- Overbaking by even a minute will dry out these delicate cookies, so pull them when edges just start turning golden
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate more smoothly, so set out butter and egg 30 minutes before starting
- Letting the dough rest for 10 minutes before baking intensifies the lavender flavor
03 -
- Buy culinary-grade lavender from spice shops or specialty stores rather than craft stores, which may contain additives
- These cookies are excellent for mailing since they ship well and actually improve in flavor after a day