Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies: A Delicate, Floral, and Utterly Charming Treat!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! As we soak in the beautiful summer of 2025 here in Marion, South Carolina, sometimes you crave a sweet treat that’s not just delicious, but also offers a delicate, fragrant, and slightly unexpected flavor profile. And if you’re looking for a cookie that’s elegant, buttery, and truly memorable, then these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are an absolute must-bake! They combine the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with the bright tang of lemon and the subtle, soothing floral notes of culinary lavender.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge advocate for recipes that explore unique flavor combinations and create a truly special experience. What I particularly love about these Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies is their sophisticated simplicity. The shortbread itself is perfectly buttery and crumbly, while the fresh lemon zest provides a bright, zesty counterpoint. The culinary lavender adds a subtle, almost ethereal floral aroma and taste that is simply enchanting without being overpowering. When finished with a simple lemon glaze (which I’ll add to the recipe for you!), they’re beautiful to look at and even more delightful to eat. They’re perfect for tea parties, bridal showers, or anytime you want a delicate, memorable treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicate and fragrant Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies:
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender, finely chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze (Assumed & Added):
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon lemon extract (for stronger lemon flavor)
Swaps and Notes
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature is crucial for a smooth, creamy dough.
- Sugars: The combination of granulated and powdered sugar contributes to the classic shortbread texture – crisp yet tender.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest is essential for bright citrus flavor. Avoid using lemon extract alone, as zest provides natural oils.
- Culinary Lavender: Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender which is grown specifically for consumption and is free of pesticides. It’s often found in specialty spice shops or online. Finely chopping it helps distribute the flavor evenly without large pieces. A little goes a long way, so don’t be tempted to add too much, or it can taste soapy.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard for shortbread.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Lemon Glaze (Added): A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice provides an extra burst of lemon and a pretty finish. Adjust the consistency to your preference.
Directions
Making these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies is straightforward, focusing on careful mixing for that perfect tender crumb.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl (using a stand mixer or handheld mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add Lemon Zest & Lavender: Beat in the lemon zest and finely chopped culinary lavender until well combined and fragrant.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should come together but still look a little crumbly.
- Form Dough Disk: Gently gather the dough and form it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour). This helps prevent spreading and makes rolling easier.
- Roll & Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter of your choice (round, square, or even flower shapes are lovely for spring) to cut out cookies. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gather and re-roll scraps once.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the cookies are set. They won’t brown much.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze (Assumed & Added): While cookies cool, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth and drizzling consistency. Add optional ¼ teaspoon lemon extract for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over them. Let the glaze set before serving (this might take 30-60 minutes).
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Butter: Crucial for a smooth dough and tender shortbread texture.
- Culinary Lavender is Key: Ensure it’s food-grade lavender. Too much can make it taste soapy, so stick to the recommended amount.
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and makes them easier to handle and cut.
- Don’t Overbake: Shortbread should be pale with just lightly golden edges. Overbaking leads to dry, hard cookies.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Glazing warm cookies will cause the glaze to melt and run off.
- Fine Chop Lavender: Ensure the lavender is finely chopped so it distributes well and doesn’t create large, overpowering pieces.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a delicate and elegant treat perfect for various occasions:
- Afternoon Tea: Ideal with a cup of Earl Grey or black tea.
- Spring Gatherings: Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, or garden parties.
- Dessert Platter: A beautiful and unique addition.
- Homemade Gift: Package them beautifully for a thoughtful present.
- Light Snack: Enjoy with lemonade (perhaps my This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days) or iced tea.
For other festive and fun cookie recipes, check out my The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About (and Asking the Recipe For!) for a truly memorable treat.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store cooled and glazed Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If layering, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze baked, unglazed cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the unique flavors and delicate texture of these cookies, here are a few more delightful dessert recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- For a celebration of color and joy, my These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies Are My Favorite Way to Bake Up Instant Joy are fantastic.
- If you’re a fan of rich and indulgent chocolate treats, check out my These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- For bite-sized chocolate goodness, my These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime are a must-try.
- And for a truly unique and festive holiday baking project, don’t miss my These Snow Globe Cookies Are My Favorite Holiday Baking Project Ever.
- For a simple three-ingredient cookie, my These Easy Coconut Macaroons Are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat are a delight.
Final Thoughts
These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a true delight – combining classic buttery goodness with bright lemon and soothing floral notes for an elegant and memorable treat. They’re perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any occasion. Give them a bake, and enjoy this exquisite culinary adventure!
What’s the most unique floral or herbaceous flavor you’ve ever incorporated into baking? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!
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