Combining lemon and lavender in baking creates a harmony of flavors that is both refreshing and soothing. Lemon, known for its bright and tangy notes, perfectly complements the floral and slightly earthy tones of lavender. This pairing is not only aromatic but also visually appealing, making these cookies a delightful treat.

A Unique Flavor Profile

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are celebrated for their unique flavor profile. The infusion of lemon zest and lavender buds into the cookie dough imparts a distinctive taste that sets these cookies apart from more traditional varieties. Their popularity is on the rise, particularly among those who appreciate gourmet baking and are eager to explore different flavor combinations in their desserts.

Growing Popularity

These cookies have gained popularity for several reasons:

Visual appeal: Their delicate appearance makes them ideal for special occasions.
Versatility: They can be served at everything from a casual tea time to elegant bridal showers.
Sensory experience: The scent of lavender provides a calming effect, enhancing the eating experience.

This exquisite blend of flavors and the sensory appeal of Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies make them a favorite among both novice bakers and seasoned pastry chefs.

Recipe Ingredients for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Essential Components for the Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for the cookie dough:

All-purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups, spooned and leveled to ensure accuracy. 🥄
Powdered Sugar: ¾ cup, providing a fine sweetness that complements the lemon. 🍚
Coarse Kosher Salt: ¼ tsp; remember, if using table salt, reduce the amount by half. 🧂
Zest of 1 small Lemon: Key for infusing the cookies with vibrant, citrusy flavor. 🍋
Dried Edible Lavender: ½ tsp, adding a subtle floral note. 🌺
Cold Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup, cut into tablespoons to blend easily into the dough. 🧈
Vanilla Extract: ½ tsp, enhancing the depth of flavors. 🍦
Fresh or Bottled Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp, to brighten the dough with a tart edge. 🍋

For the Icing

The icing adds a decorative and flavorful finish:

Powdered Sugar: 1 cup, for smooth and sweet icing. 🍚
Meringue Powder: 2 tsp, helps stabilize the icing and adds a slight sheen. 🥚
Fresh or Bottled Lemon Juice: Adjust between 2 ½ – 3 tbsp depending on desired consistency. 🍋
Dried Edible Lavender or Lemon Zest: Perfect for decorating, choose based on flavor preference or aesthetic. 🌺🍋

Highlighting Key Ingredients

Lemon Zest and Dried Lavender are the stars of this recipe, each adding unique and essential flavors that make these cookies special. The lemon zest infuses a potent citrus aroma and taste, while the lavender provides a sophisticated floral hint that elevates these cookies from ordinary to gourmet.

These ingredients work in harmony to create a cookie that is both visually appealing and delicious, offering a taste of elegance in every bite. Be sure to measure each ingredient carefully to maintain the balance of flavors that makes these cookies a special treat.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Preparation of the Dough

Handling Lavender

Start by preparing your lavender. If using dried lavender, ensure it’s culinary grade to avoid any chemicals not meant for consumption.
Lightly crush the lavender buds to release more flavor before adding them to the dough. This can be done with a mortar and pestle or by gently pressing with the back of a spoon.

Mixing the Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and coarse kosher salt in a large mixing bowl.
Add the lemon zest to the flour mixture to evenly distribute the citrus aroma throughout the dough.
Incorporate the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Drizzle in vanilla extract and lemon juice while mixing to form a cohesive dough. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it tender.

Shaping the Cookies

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut into desired shapes.
Place the shaped dough on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.

Baking

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
It’s crucial not to overbake to maintain their signature tender texture.

Cooling Process

Setting the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set and makes them easier to transfer without breaking.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing. This ensures the icing sets well and doesn’t melt into the cookie.

Adding the Icing

Once cool, drizzle or spread your lemon icing over the cookies. Sprinkle with lavender buds or lemon zest for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.

Following these detailed steps will help you achieve perfect Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies that are as delicious as they are beautiful. The key is in the gentle handling of both the lavender and the dough, ensuring that every bite is infused with the intended flavors without being overpowering.

Icing and Decoration for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Recipe for Lemon Glaze Icing

Ingredients: Combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the lemon juice to get the desired consistency.
Preparation: Whisk together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps for an even finish on the cookies.

Suggestions for Decorative Toppings

Lavender Buds: Sprinkle dried lavender buds lightly to add a touch of elegance and enhance the floral notes.
Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest over the icing for a vibrant pop of color and to intensify the citrus flavor.

Variations of the Recipe

Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that mimics the texture and density of regular flour.
Vegan Options: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk in the icing instead of traditional dairy products.

Alternatives for Different Flavors

Orange or Lime Zest: Replace lemon zest with orange or lime for a different citrus twist.
Rosemary or Thyme: Infuse the dough with finely chopped herbs for an earthy flavor contrast.

Serving and Storage

Best Practices for Serving

Event Serving: Display on a decorative platter or tiered cookie stand to catch the eye at events.
Pairing: Serve with tea or a light sparkling beverage to complement the delicate flavors of the cookies.

Tips on Storing and Freezing

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Freeze the dough or baked cookies between layers of wax paper in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Health and Nutritional Information

Caloric and Health Considerations

Calories: Each cookie typically contains between 100-150 calories, depending on size and toppings.
Main Ingredients Benefits: Lemon zest is high in vitamin C, while lavender may offer stress-reducing properties.

Tips for a Healthier Version

Sugar Reduction: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like Stevia in the icing.
Butter Alternatives: Consider using lower-fat or plant-based butters to decrease saturated fat content.

Each section provides a comprehensive guide to making Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies that can be tailored to fit various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring they are both delicious and suitable for a range of occasions.

FAQs on Baking Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

How to Avoid Common Baking Issues

Dough Too Crumbly

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Ensuring that flour and butter are measured correctly is crucial; too much flour can lead to crumbly dough.
Proper Mixing: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overworking the dough can make it tough when baked.

Cookies Becoming Too Hard

Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is correctly calibrated. An oven that’s too hot can overbake cookies quickly.
Baking Time: Watch the baking time closely—shortbread should not brown too much, just a light golden on the edges.

Can These Cookies Be Made in Advance and Frozen?

Making Ahead

Freezing Dough: Shape the dough into a disk or roll, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. This can be stored for up to 3 months.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Fully bake and cool the cookies, then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Thawing

Dough: Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking.
Baked Cookies: Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This ensures they retain their texture and flavor.

These tips help ensure that your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies turn out perfect every time and can be enjoyed fresh or made ahead for convenience.

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies combine the crisp, buttery texture of shortbread with the aromatic flavors of lemon and lavender. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, these cookies are perfect for those who appreciate a floral note with their sweet treats.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:
- All-purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups
- Powdered Sugar: ¾ cup
- Coarse Kosher Salt: ¼ tsp
- Zest of 1 small Lemon
- Dried Edible Lavender: ½ tsp
- Cold Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup
- Vanilla Extract: ½ tsp
- Fresh or Bottled Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp
For the Icing:
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Meringue Powder: 2 tsp
- Fresh or Bottled Lemon Juice: 2 ½ – 3 tbsp
- Optional: Dried Edible Lavender or Lemon Zest for decorating

Instructions

Dough Preparation: Mix dry ingredients, incorporate butter until crumbly, add wet ingredients, and form into a dough.
Baking: Roll out, cut into shapes, and bake until lightly golden.
Icing: Mix icing ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Decoration: Garnish with lavender buds or lemon zest.

Notes

Ensure ingredients like flour are accurately measured to prevent dough issues.
Adjust lemon juice in the icing for desired consistency and tartness.