Lavender Lemon Shortbread Treats

Name: Lavender Lemon Shortbread Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, crushed; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore these Lavender Lemon Shortbread Treats! The delicate floral notes of lavender combined with the zesty brightness of lemon create a delightful balance that is simply irresistible. Each bite is a perfect blend of buttery richness and refreshing flavors, making these cookies an exceptional treat for tea time or any occasion. The recipe is straightforward and the end result is so rewarding; I can’t wait to share them with my friends and family at our next gathering!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-15T13:58:18.940Z

When I first experimented with lavender and lemon in baking, I was astonished at how well they complemented each other. The key to achieving the right flavor is using high-quality culinary lavender. I find that crushing the dried lavender buds slightly releases their oils, enhancing the flavor of the shortbread remarkably. This small step ensures that the floral aroma truly shines through in each bite.

Another tip I learned is to let the cookies cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I often serve them alongside a cup of herbal tea, and my guests are always surprised by their unique taste. It's such a simple recipe, yet the outcome feels gourmet!

Why You'll Love These Treats
Unique combination of floral lavender and zesty lemon.
Buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for pairing with your favorite tea.

The Essence of Lavender and Lemon

Using culinary lavender in this recipe infuses your cookies with an aromatic complexity that elevates the basic shortbread. When selecting lavender, make sure it’s food-grade, as not all varieties are safe to consume. Crushing the lavender helps release its essential oils, maximizing flavor. If you're unsure about the strength, start with a little less than the recipe calls for, and adjust in future batches depending on your taste preferences.

The lemon zest plays a critical role in balancing the floral notes from the lavender. Fresh lemon zest provides oils that add an intense citrus aroma and flavor which dried lemon products can’t replicate. Use a microplane grater to get the finest zest, avoiding any bitter white pith that could detract from the cookie’s delicate flavor.

Baking Technique Tips

When creaming butter and sugar, be patient; continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and light—typically around 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender crumb. If your butter is too cold, you won’t achieve the desired texture, so always ensure it’s softened before starting. If you're in a hurry, you can cut the butter into smaller chunks to accelerate the softening process.

To ensure even baking, keep cookies uniform in size. Using a cookie scoop can help you achieve perfectly shaped balls, which should be about the same size as a tablespoon. Ensure to leave enough space between each cookie on the baking sheet; they will spread slightly during baking. If your first batch comes out too flat, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create the perfect Lavender Lemon Shortbread Treats.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon culinary lavender, crushed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have everything ready, you'll love how quickly these come together!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to whip up your Lavender Lemon Shortbread Treats!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the lemon zest and crushed lavender.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and blend until combined. Fold in the vanilla extract.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, slightly flattening each ball.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy these delicate treats with a cup of tea or as a lovely dessert!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender for the best flavor. You can also experiment by adding more lemon zest for a stronger citrus taste!

Storage and Freshness

Once baked, these Lavender Lemon Shortbread Treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to maintain their freshness longer, consider freezing them. Layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

For serving, these cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a light, floral tea or even a citrus-infused drink enhances the overall tasting experience. I love serving them with Earl Grey tea, as the bergamot notes complement both the lavender and lemon beautifully.

Creative Variations

While the lavender and lemon combination is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors as well. For instance, you could substitute lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus profile. Alternatively, adding a touch of almond extract instead of vanilla brings a lovely nuttiness that pairs nicely with floral flavors.

If you prefer a sweeter cookie, consider gently drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the cooled treats. Just mix powdered sugar with a touch of lemon juice until you reach a pourable consistency. This adds a lovely shine and extra citrus punch that enhances the overall experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

It's best to use dried culinary lavender for baking as fresh lavender can be too strong and may add excess moisture to the dough.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.

→ What can I serve these cookies with?

These treats pair wonderfully with herbal teas, coffee, or can be enjoyed on their own as a light dessert.