You’re about to embark on a baking adventure that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the lavender fields of Provence. These lavender shortbread cookies are not just a treat for the palate but a feast for the senses.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of butter and lavender creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a floral aroma that’s irresistible.
- Using culinary-grade lavender ensures the flavor is just right—not too overpowering, but perfectly present.
- This recipe keeps it simple with just a handful of ingredients, letting the lavender shine.
- Shortbread is a forgiving dough, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
- The cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with a delicate purple hue and a buttery golden edge.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp culinary lavender buds
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The key here is to incorporate air into the butter, which will give your cookies that classic shortbread texture.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, lavender buds, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together. The lavender buds should be evenly distributed throughout the dough for that perfect floral flavor in every bite.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. For a rustic look, you can also press the dough into a square pan and cut into bars after baking.
Chill Before Baking
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they keep their shape. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect shortbread texture.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F and bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers should remain pale. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
For the best flavor, use culinary-grade lavender buds, which are specifically meant for cooking and baking. If you’re unsure about the strength of your lavender, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. To enhance the floral aroma, you can rub the lavender buds between your fingers before adding them to the dough. For a more pronounced lavender flavor, infuse the butter with lavender by heating it gently with the buds, then strain and cool before using.
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that complements the lavender beautifully.
- For a nutty flavor, mix in 1/2 cup of finely ground almonds or hazelnuts with the flour.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Swap out the lavender for rosemary or thyme for a different herbal note.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lavender essential oil instead of buds?
It’s not recommended to use lavender essential oil in cooking or baking, as it’s much more concentrated and can be overpowering or even harmful if ingested in large amounts. Stick with culinary-grade lavender buds for the best and safest results.
How do I store these cookies?
These lavender shortbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Just let it come to a rollable consistency before shaping and baking.
Summary
These lavender shortbread cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, offering a fragrant floral flavor that’s perfectly balanced with buttery richness. Simple to make and endlessly versatile, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.