Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you adore delicate floral notes balanced with bright citrus flavors, you’re going to fall in love with these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies. This recipe captures the magic of fragrant dried lavender paired with zesty lemon, resulting in cookies that are both soft and chewy with a perfectly crisp edge. Whether you want a sweet treat for a sunny afternoon or a unique dessert to impress your friends, these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies bring warmth and sunshine to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple but impactful with ingredients that highlight freshness and flavor. Each component plays a key role: sugar for sweetness, lavender for a gentle floral aroma, and fresh lemon for that unmistakable zing and brightness. These basics come together to create a cookie that’s anything but ordinary.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the fundamental sweetness and is also used for rolling to add a subtle crunch.
- Lemon zest: Infuses the dough with fragrant citrus oils, brightening the flavor with each bite.
- Dried lavender: Adds a delicate floral note that transforms everyday cookies into something special.
- Unsalted butter: At room temperature, it ensures a creamy, tender texture for perfectly chewy cookies.
- Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with fresh acidity and brings the lemon flavor to life.
- Egg: Acts as a binder while contributing to the cookie’s softness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma and rounds out the citrus and floral flavors.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread, creating a lovely texture contrast.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and floral notes while balancing the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookie tender.
How to Make Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Infuse the Sugar with Lemon and Lavender
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and dried lavender. Then, rub them all together between your fingers for about one minute to release the oils and fully infuse the sugar with those vibrant lemon and floral scents. This simple step sets the foundation for flavor-packed cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Flavored Sugar
Transfer the infused sugar mixture to a large bowl and add your softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat them together for about one minute. This process aerates the mixture, creating a light and creamy base that will give the cookies a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the lemon juice, egg, and pure vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Beat these ingredients until they’re fully combined, ensuring the citrus tang melds smoothly with the creamy batter. These liquids bring moisture, flavor, and structure to your cookie dough.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the baking soda and salt, mixing just until combined to evenly distribute these leavening and flavor enhancers. Then add the flour and beat until just incorporated. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so stop once you see a uniform dough with lovely specks of lavender and zest throughout.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon measurement, scoop out dough balls and roll them between your palms for a smooth finish. Next, roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to create a slightly crisp outer layer when baked. Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet with about two inches of space apart, allowing them room to spread beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to look for edges that are just set while the centers still seem a little soft. This slight underbaking is exactly what gives these cookies their signature chewy texture. Let them rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, lightly dust these cookies with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also sprinkle a few edible lavender flowers on top for visual appeal and a subtle herbal hit that complements the dried lavender inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea like chamomile or green tea, which nicely balances their citrusy sweetness. If you want a richer experience, a glass of chilled sparkling lemonade or a mild, creamy latte will bring out their lemony brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a delightful gift by stacking them in a clear jar tied with a lemon-yellow ribbon or layering them in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper. For a fun party idea, serve them alongside lemon curd or lavender-infused whipped cream as a dreamy dessert option that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to four days, making them perfect to enjoy over several days without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To restore the freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This will bring back that just-baked softness and make eating these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies feel like a brand-new experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender can be quite potent and watery, which might affect the texture of your cookies, so it’s best to stick with dried culinary lavender. It’s dried to enhance flavor without adding moisture and will give you that lovely floral scent without overpowering.
What if I don’t have lemon zest? Can I substitute it?
While lemon zest adds essential oils that brighten the flavor, a small amount of lemon extract can be used as a substitute. However, fresh zest is preferred because it contributes to the cookie’s texture and freshness in a way extracts can’t fully replicate.
How can I ensure my cookies stay chewy?
The key lies in not overbaking. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The residual heat will finish cooking them without drying them out.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best chewy texture.
How do I prevent the lavender flavor from being too strong?
Using dried culinary lavender in the recommended amount keeps the floral note subtle yet distinct. If you’re sensitive to floral tastes, start with a little less and adjust gradually to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies are truly a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining fresh citrus and floral aroma in every bite. They’re easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I promise once you try them, Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies will become your new go-to for a charming and delicious treat that feels like sunshine on a plate.
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Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fragrant Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies that combine zesty lemon with the subtle floral notes of dried lavender. Soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened, these cookies are perfect for a refreshing teatime treat or a unique dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Flavorings
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare sugar mixture: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and dried lavender. Rub the mixture between your fingers for about one minute to release the lemon oils and lavender aroma, blending the flavors.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the sugar-lemon-lavender mixture with the softened butter. Beat on high speed for one minute until well incorporated and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the lemon juice, egg, and vanilla extract using the mixer until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the baking soda and salt to the mixture and beat until combined. Then gradually add the all-purpose flour and continue mixing until you form a dough.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into approximately 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Then roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
- Arrange and bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers appear slightly underdone—they will firm up as they cool for a chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
- Enjoy! Serve these aromatic and soft lavender lemon cookies with tea or as a delightful snack any time of day.
Notes
- Use only dried culinary lavender to avoid bitterness and ensure safety.
- Do not overbake; cookies are best when centers remain soft and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding a little lemon extract in place of vanilla.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lavender lemon sugar cookies, lemon cookies, lavender cookies, floral cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, tea time cookies, baking cookies
