Easy Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe For Summer

Crafting these delightful iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies can transport you to a fragrant summer afternoon.

Sweet memories bloom with each buttery bite of this delicate treat.

Soft lavender notes dance alongside bright citrus, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Crisp edges and tender crumbs promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both elegant and comforting.

Delicate floral hints complement the zesty lemon, making these cookies a perfect companion for afternoon tea.

A simple recipe awaits you, ready to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Let’s bake something magical that celebrates summer’s most enchanting flavors.

Ingredients for Lemon Lavender Cookies

• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the shortbread cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the shortbread.
• Lavender: Provides a subtle, floral aroma and unique flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's taste.
• Lemon Juice: Contributes additional citrus flavor and helps bind the dough.

• Butter: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and provides essential fat for the cookie.
• Meringue Powder: Helps create a smooth, glossy icing that sets properly.

• Powdered Sugar: Serves as the base for the sweet, smooth icing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and helps achieve the right icing consistency.

• Dried Lavender, Lemon Zest: Provides a beautiful and flavorful garnish for the finished cookies.

How to Bake These Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Blend Aromatic Cookie Base

• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Salt
• Fresh lemon zest
• Dried lavender buds

Pulse everything together until they’re beautifully combined. While the processor runs, gradually drop in cold butter pieces.

Let the mixture transform into a crumbly, moist texture. Splash in vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice, blending until the dough magically comes together.

Step 2: Shape and Prepare Dough

Dump the dough onto a clean surface and shape it into a smooth disk. Dust lightly with flour.

Press the dough into a lined baking pan, creating an even layer. Use a sharp knife to slice the dough into neat squares.

Gently poke tiny holes across the surface with a toothpick to prevent any unexpected puffing. Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let the dough chill for half an hour.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Fire up the oven to 300°F. Slide the chilled dough pan into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color developing. Once baked, quickly re-cut the cookies while they’re still warm.

Allow them to cool completely right in the pan.

Step 4: Create Stunning Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Meringue powder
• Fresh lemon juice

Mix until you’ve got a smooth, drizzly icing.

Dunk the cookie tops into the glaze, creating a glossy finish. Sprinkle with dried lavender buds or extra lemon zest for a stunning decoration.

Let the icing set for 4-6 hours before serving these elegant treats.

Tips to Help the Cookies Turn Out

• Gently pulse dry ingredients to avoid overworking the dough, ensuring a delicate, tender shortbread texture.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain crisp, clean cookie edges during baking.
• Use fresh lemon zest and high-quality culinary lavender for the most vibrant, aromatic flavor profile in your cookies.
• When cutting the dough, clean your knife between cuts to create sharp, precise edges for a professional-looking shortbread.
• Allow icing to set completely before storing to prevent sticking and maintain the cookies' beautiful decorative finish.

Fun Spins on These Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Lavender Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicate flavor profile.
• Vegan Lemon Lavender Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use aquafaba instead of meringue powder to create a plant-based alternative with similar texture and taste.
• Low-Sugar Herbal Shortbread: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the cookie's classic texture.
• Citrus Herb Variation: Replace lemon with orange zest and swap lavender for thyme or rosemary to create a different aromatic and flavor experience.

What Goes Well with These Cookies

• Pair Herbal Tea Delight: Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea that complements the cookie's floral notes, creating a soothing and harmonious flavor experience.
• Citrus Sorbet Companion: Serve a light lemon or blood orange sorbet alongside the cookies to enhance the bright, zesty undertones and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Elegance Match: Select a crisp Prosecco or light Moscato d'Asti, whose subtle sweetness and effervescence will beautifully highlight the cookie's delicate lavender and lemon essence.
• Afternoon Coffee Harmony: Enjoy with a smooth, mild vanilla latte that balances the cookie's buttery texture and provides a creamy counterpoint to the citrusy, herbal flavors.

Storing Your Lavender Cookies Right

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep layers separated to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 7 days, maintaining crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Wrap uniced cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze flat for maximum preservation. Cookies will stay delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before icing.
• Place completely cooled cookies in sealed container away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature for 3-4 days. Use wax paper between layers to prevent breakage.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these shortbread cookies unique?

The key ingredients are lemon zest, dried lavender, and a zesty lemon icing that gives these shortbread cookies a bright, floral flavor profile with a delicate touch of citrus.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll need a food processor to mix the dough efficiently, an 8 or 9-inch baking pan, parchment paper for lining, and a toothpick for docking the dough to prevent puffing.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it convenient for planning and preparing in stages.

What Makes These Cookies Special

• Savor Artisan Flavor: Gourmet cookies that blend delicate lavender and bright lemon into a sophisticated treat perfect for special moments.
• Quick Customize Potential: Easily personalize decoration with lemon zest or dried lavender sprinkles, making each batch unique and visually stunning.
• No-Fuss Precision Baking: Simple food processor technique ensures consistent texture without complicated hand-mixing techniques, ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Elegant shortbread cookies suitable for afternoon tea, bridal showers, book clubs, or elegant dessert gatherings with friends and family.

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delicate iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies blend Mediterranean sunshine with floral elegance, offering a sophisticated twist on classic shortbread. Crisp buttery layers melt gracefully, inviting refreshment and subtle culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried edible lavender
• Zest of 1 small lemon

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh or bottled lemon juice

Icing Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons meringue powder
• 2 1/3 tablespoons fresh or bottled lemon juice
• Dried edible lavender (for decorating)
• Lemon zest (for decorating)

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Instructions

1. Blend dry ingredients including flour, powdered sugar, salt, lemon zest, and lavender in a food processor until uniformly combined.
2. Gradually incorporate butter one tablespoon at a time, processing until mixture becomes moist and crumbly.
3. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, processing until dough forms a cohesive mass.
4. Transfer dough onto a floured surface and shape into a smooth disk.
5. Press dough into a lined baking pan, creating an even layer.
6. Meticulously slice dough into precise squares using a sharp knife.
7. Pierce dough surface with toothpick to prevent potential rising during baking.
8. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to firm and enhance flavor integration.
9. Preheat oven to 300°F, ensuring consistent temperature.
10. Bake shortbread for approximately 45 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
11. While cookies are still warm, carefully re-cut the squares.
12. Allow cookies to cool completely within the baking pan.
13. Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar, meringue powder, and lemon juice until smooth and drizzling consistency.
14. Dip cookie tops into icing, creating an elegant glaze.
15. Garnish with delicate dried lavender or lemon zest for visual appeal.
16. Let icing set for 4-6 hours before serving to ensure proper hardening.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the crisp, delicate texture of the shortbread.
• Use fresh, high-quality dried lavender for the most vibrant floral notes without overpowering the lemon.
• Adjust the icing consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice to achieve the perfect drizzle.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg