Are you tired of the same old boring cookies? Then you need to try these lemon lavender shortbread cookies! These sweet treats are the perfect combination of zesty citrus and delicate floral notes, all wrapped up in a buttery, crumbly cookie.
I love the texture of shortbread cookies. Delicate, tender, and with just the right amount of crunch, they will melt in your mouth like warm butter on toast. They are the perfect Spring cookie and would make a wonderful Easter or Mother's Day treat.
And let's be real, these cookies aren't just delicious - they're downright classy. They're perfect for those fancy tea parties you see in movies where everyone wears white gloves and talks in British accents.
If you know any lemon purists, you can always serve these lemon drop cookies dipped in lemon icing, but they will be missing out on all the lavender love.
Ingredients
This recipe uses easy ingredients. The lavender buds can be found online or in well-stocked grocery stores in the spice section. Make sure your lavender says culinary or food grade.
- Butter
- Sugar
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
- Lavender buds (culinary grade)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
A kitchen stand mixer is ideal here, it makes combining the dough so much easier. If you don't have one, you can use a handheld mixer. You will also need a rolling pin, a cookie cutter, and baking sheets.
Instructions
Need a visual to help you master this recipe? You have come to the right section. Full instructions are in the recipe card.
After mixing all the ingredients, turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, bring the dough together until it forms a rough ball. Flatten into a disk with your hands.
At this point, you can place the dough in the fridge for a bit if it's gotten too soft to roll. Roll the dough into a rough circle about ¼ inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut into shapes and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
👩🍳Expert tip
Since these cookies are buttery, use high-quality butter. Ensure the butter is at room temperature before combining it with the sugar.
Helpful hint: I use a 2.5-inch cookie cutter, which yields 16 cookies. Your final cookie amount will depend on the thickness of your shortbread and the size of the cookie cutter you used.
Variations
- Try swapping out the lemon zest for orange zest.
- Add fresh herbs. Thyme or sage would work well here.
- If you are not a fan of lavender, you can omit it altogether.
- To save time, this shortbread can be baked in a 9-inch baking pan. Press the dough into the pan and poke holes in the top. You will need to increase the baking time since it will be thicker.
- You can drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or a simple glaze of confectioner's sugar and lemon.
Storage
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. You can also store baked and cooled shortbread cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Spreading can occur from overworking the dough. The dough should be crumbly but still come together. You can try refrigerating the dough before baking to help with spreading by solidifying the butter.
More lemon recipes
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Equipment
- 1 large baking sheet
- kitchen stand mixer
- rolling pin
- 2.5 inch cookie cutter (can use larger)
Ingredients
- ½ cup (4 oz or 1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- ¾ teaspoon culinary lavender
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or line with a silicone mat.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium -low for 1 minute or until the sugar is completely incorporated.½ cup (4 oz or 1 stick) unsalted butter, ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- With the mixer on low, add the vanilla, lemon zest, and lavender. Mix until just incorporated.¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon), ¾ teaspoon culinary lavender
- Add the flour and the salt, and mix for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides if needed. The dough will look crumbly but still come together when pinched.1 cup all-purpose flour, ⅛ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
- Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface. Form the dough into a flat disk using the palms of your hands. (At this point, you can put the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up if it's too soft to roll). Roll the dough to about 10 inches and ¼ inch thick. Using a 2.5-inch cookie cutter, cut out shapes. Remove the cutouts using a spatula and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Using the remaining scraps, re-roll the dough and repeat the process until the dough is used up.
- Place the cookies in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up. After 15 minutes, remove from the freezer and bake for 15-18 minutes until set and the edges are slightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Notes
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
Margaret says
Made these ahead for Easter. they are so delicious. just used a heart cookie cutter, because that's what I had. i'm sure everyone will love them.
Jennifer says
Ooh, hearts would be so pretty! Enjoy.
Tanalisa Whitney says
I made these for a “something different” for my Easter brunch. Everyone loved them! They’re light and the lemon lavender combination is a great accent to a shortbread cookie. Making tins for all the special moms in my life for Mother’s Day.
Jennifer says
Yes, perfect for Mother's Day, thanks for giving them a try!
Catherine S says
This is a terrific recipe - thank you! I have tried a few different lavender shortbread recipes and for me, they haven’t had enough flavor. This recipe - with the lemon zest added - is delicious! I put the lavender in the blender to try to get it to be more fine and more evenly distributed in the dough. I will definitely make these again!
Jennifer says
That's so great to hear! Thanks for giving it a try.
Blaze says
This recipe is fabulous, and completely able to to be modified for gluten free and vegan options. I made it both gluten free and vegan, and it was absolutely delicious. I also added an lemon grass earl grey tea glaze to the top and it was like a decadent British summer.
Jennifer says
That glaze sounds out of this world. So glad you enjoyed it!