Lavender Cookies
Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! If you’ve ever wanted to bake something that feels a bit luxurious and oh-so-special, these Lavender Cookies are the answer. I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a summer soiree at a dear friend’s house, where the scent of lavender wafting through the air was enough to make anyone swoon. As someone who loves to bake and experiment with unique flavors, I couldn’t resist asking for the recipe. Since then, these cookies have become a staple at my gatherings – they’re just too divine!
What I adore most about these cookies is their perfect balance of buttery richness paired with the subtle floral notes of lavender. Trust me, every bite is like a little piece of heaven! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. So, whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress your guests or something special to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these Lavender Cookies are bound to be a hit!
What’s in Lavender Cookies?
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookie dough. I always opt for a standard all-purpose flour, but you can go with a gluten-free blend if that’s your jam!
Powdered sugar: This sweet, fluffy sugar helps to give our cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s essential for achieving that delicate sweetness without being overwhelming.
Granulated sugar: A little extra sweetness and crunch come from the granulated sugar, which is used for rolling the cookies before baking.
Unsalted butter: The star player! I go for high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor, and make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Egg: Just one large egg is all we need to bind everything together and create a tender cookie.
Dried culinary lavender: This is the magic ingredient that brings everything together and adds that incredible floral aroma. Make sure to find culinary-grade lavender, as not all lavender is safe for consumption.
Vanilla extract: A classic addition that enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth to the cookies.
Baking powder: This will help our cookies rise just a bit and gives that lovely texture.
Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Extra granulated sugar for rolling: This is a little step that goes a long way, giving the cookies a delightful crunch.
Fresh lavender sprigs (optional): A cute way to garnish! Plus, they make for a gorgeous presentation.
Is Lavender Cookies Good for You?
Now, before you dive into these tasty treats, let’s chat about their health aspects!
Butter: While delicious and essential for flavor, butter is high in saturated fats, so moderation is key. You could choose to replace part of it with coconut oil for a slightly healthier twist.
Lavender: Not only does it taste great, but lavender also offers some nice health benefits! It’s known for its calming properties and may help with anxiety and sleep. So, who wouldn’t want a cookie that’s also good for the soul?!
Overall, while you might not call these cookies a health food, enjoying them as an occasional treat will definitely bring happiness without the guilt!
Ingredients List
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Extra granulated sugar for rolling (colored lavender sugar optional)
– Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)
This recipe will yield about 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing or for keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
How to Make Lavender Cookies?
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Just think of it as the base of a beautiful relationship – it needs time to develop!
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and chopped lavender to the mixture. Beat until well combined. Let those lovely flavors mingle!
3. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Don’t be shy; give it a good mix, but don’t overdo it!
5. Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a log shape, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or until firm. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me—it’s worth it!
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Look at those beautiful little rounds of joy!
8. Roll each cookie in granulated sugar (and colored lavender sugar if desired). It’s like giving them a little candy coat!
9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one, as they will spread a bit.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t forget to take a big sniff of that heavenly aroma when you pull them out!
11. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, garnish each cookie with a small sprig of fresh lavender if desired before serving. It adds a beautiful touch!
Baking Tips & Sweet Variations
Here are a few thoughtful tips and fun variations to make these cookies even more magical!
– **Make it Vegan:** You can swap out the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
– **Herbal Infusions:** Try mixing in some other herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique flavor twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
– **Presentation Matters:** These cookies not only taste good but look stunning! Consider serving them on a beautiful plate with a fresh lavender garnish, or even in a cute jar tied with a ribbon as a gift!
– **Pairing Suggestions:** These cookies go beautifully with a cup of tea or a glass of lemonade. They can also be crumbled over a light vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert!
I hope you’re as excited to try these Lavender Cookies as I was when I first tasted them. They truly are a lovely addition to any dessert spread and can bring a little whimsy to your day. If you give this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear about your experience! Happy baking, my friends!
