Baking & Pastry > Cookies > Rolled & Cut-Out Cookies > Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Lavender Shortbread Cookies

An aromatic twist on classic shortbread, these cookies are infused with the delicate flavor of lavender. Perfect for a sophisticated treat with tea or as a lovely gift. The floral notes elevate the traditional buttery shortbread to a new level.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
10-12 minutes
Servings
Approximately 30 cookies
Ingredients
  • 250 g All-purpose flour
  • 175 g Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 75 g Powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dried culinary lavender
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Pinch of salt

Prepare the Lavender

Finely grind the dried culinary lavender in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. This will help release the flavor and prevent the cookies from having a gritty texture.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, ground lavender, and salt.

Incorporate the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, use a food processor, pulsing until crumbly.

Add Vanilla and Form Dough

Add the vanilla extract and mix until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. The dough should be smooth but not sticky.

Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax and the flavors to meld, resulting in a more tender cookie.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Rectangular or round shapes complement the delicate lavender flavor.

Bake the Cookies

Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The cookies should remain pale.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. The lavender flavor will intensify over time.

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FAQ

  • Can I use fresh lavender?

    No, dried culinary lavender is recommended. Fresh lavender has a much higher moisture content and will affect the texture of the cookies.
  • Where can I find culinary lavender?

    Culinary lavender can be found online, at specialty spice shops, or at some well-stocked grocery stores. Ensure it is labeled as 'culinary lavender' and is food-grade.
  • Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

    Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar to 60g if you prefer a less sweet cookie. However, keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the texture, so reducing it too much may affect the crumblyness of the shortbread.
  • Why do the cookies need to be chilled?

    Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and tender cookie.