If you have a soft spot for delicate, fragrant treats that feel like a gentle hug in cookie form, then this Lavender Cookies Recipe is absolutely for you. These buttery, tender cookies are infused with the subtle floral notes of culinary lavender, creating a delightful balance of sweet and aromatic that’s perfect for afternoon tea or a special homemade gift. They’re easy to make, use simple pantry staples, and bring a touch of elegance to any cookie plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to baking perfect lavender cookies every time. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s providing richness, sweetness, or that signature lavender aroma.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a creamy richness and helps create that tender crumb everyone loves.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps give the cookies a light, delicate texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making the floral notes pop.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light bite without puffing too much.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the butter and lavender flavors.
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds, finely chopped: The star ingredient that gives the signature floral flavor and gentle fragrance.
- Optional 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture if the dough feels too dry or crumbly.
How to Make Lavender Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This process is essential for creating the crumbly, tender texture these lavender cookies are known for.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This step helps to bind your cookie dough and infuse it with subtle layers of flavor that complement the lavender beautifully.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed in the dough, resulting in perfectly balanced cookies every time.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Remember not to overmix here to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in Lavender
Gently fold the chopped culinary lavender buds into your cookie dough. If you find the dough too crumbly at this point, slowly add milk one tablespoon at a time until it holds together nicely.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly using your hand or the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn a light golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures they firm up without losing their tender bite.
How to Serve Lavender Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a delicate sprinkle of finely ground lavender sugar just before serving for an extra pop of floral aroma and a subtle crunch. You could also dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finish that looks beautiful on any plate.
Side Dishes
Lavender cookies pair spectacularly with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a soothing chamomile blend, enhancing their floral notes. They also complement light lemon sorbet or a mild cheese like brie if you want to create a charming tea-time spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies tied with a ribbon for a visually appealing gift, or place them on a pretty serving tray surrounded by fresh lavender sprigs. For a modern twist, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top to add a citrusy zing that cuts through the butteriness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lavender cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their soft texture and floral scent without becoming dry or stale.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh your lavender cookies after storage, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, buttery texture and helps to release the fragrant lavender aroma.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender has a higher moisture content and can be more intense or bitter than dried culinary lavender, so it’s best to stick with dried lavender buds for this recipe. If you use fresh, reduce the amount significantly and finely chop it.
Is it necessary to use culinary-grade lavender?
Absolutely. Culinary-grade lavender is safe to eat and has a much milder, pleasant flavor. Garden or ornamental lavender may be chemically treated and can taste bitter or unpleasant in baked goods.
Can I substitute almond flour or gluten-free flour?
This recipe works best with all-purpose flour for the right texture and structure. You could try gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary, and the cookies may be more crumbly.
How strong is the lavender flavor?
This Lavender Cookies Recipe aims for a gentle, aromatic hint of lavender, not overwhelming floral notes. The flavor is subtle, which balances nicely with the buttery sweetness of the cookie.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
You can experiment with vegan substitutes like plant-based butter and a flax egg, but keep in mind the texture and flavor might change slightly since butter and eggs contribute to the tenderness and richness here.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking with lavender, and this Lavender Cookies Recipe invites you to bring a bit of that magic into your kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies offer a unique and elegant flavor that’s easy to make yet ultra-impressive. I hope you enjoy every fragrant, buttery bite as much as I do!
Print
Lavender Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicate Lavender Cookies offer a fragrant twist on classic butter cookies, featuring the subtle floral notes of culinary lavender buds. Perfectly soft with a light golden edge, they’re ideal for pairing with tea or adding a touch of elegance to any dessert spread.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds, finely chopped
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons milk (if dough is too dry)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until the batter is uniform and smooth, ensuring proper binding of the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to maintain cookie softness.
- Incorporate Lavender: Fold in the finely chopped culinary lavender buds carefully to distribute their floral flavor throughout the dough.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too crumbly or dry, add milk in 1 tablespoon increments until the dough holds together and is workable.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking. Flatten each ball slightly using your hand or the bottom of a glass for even shape and thickness.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a golden color, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade lavender only; ornamental lavender may be too bitter or contain chemical treatments unsafe for consumption.
- For a finer texture and more balanced flavor, lightly grind the lavender buds with sugar in a food processor before mixing into the dough.
- These cookies are wonderful served with tea and can be enhanced with a drizzle of lemon glaze for added zest.
