Oh, how I adore the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house! There’s something so cozy about it, isn’t there? It takes me back to sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up her famous sugar cookies. She had a special touch, always adding an unexpected twist here and there. One warm summer afternoon, she surprised us all with a batch infused with tangy lemon and soothing lavender. The combination was absolutely enchanting! That memory has stuck with me, inspiring me to create my own version: the Fresh Lemon Lavender Sugar Cookies. If you’re looking for a delightful yet easy dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, look no further! These cookies have just the right amount of zest with a lavender twist that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for tea parties or casual get-togethers.
- Refreshing citrus flavor balanced perfectly by calming lavender.
- Great for gifting – who wouldn’t love a jar full of these beauties?
- Versatile enough for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday baking.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for these scrumptious cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (trust me; it makes a difference!)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (fresh is best for that vibrant flavor)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp culinary lavender buds (make sure they are food grade!)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these easy-peasy steps to make your lemon lavender sugar cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that warmth going, and it’ll be just right for our cookies.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will help to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I love using a handheld mixer for this job! It should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate the dry mix: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with tough cookies!
- Add the lavender: Gently fold in the lavender buds. The scent will be heavenly!
- Shape the cookies: Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball in the extra sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sugar-coated balls about two inches apart. They’ll spread out!
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the smell wafting through your kitchen!
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are some fun twists and pro tips to customize these cookies:
- Glaze it up! For an extra zing, whisk together some powdered sugar and lemon juice for a simple glaze to drizzle over the cooled cookies.
- Switch up the herbs: If lavender isn’t your thing, try using rosemary or thyme for a savory twist!
- Change the zest: Orange zest pairs beautifully with lavender too – perfect for a different flavor profile!
- Butter substitute: You can use coconut oil if you want a dairy-free cookie. Just make sure it’s softened, not melted!
- Adding nuts: Chopped almonds or pistachios give a nice crunch if you sprinkle them on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Fresh Lemon Lavender Sugar Cookies are perfect for all kinds of gatherings! Picture this: a sunny afternoon tea party with cute little sandwiches, bright lemon-lavender cookies, and a pot of Earl Grey. What a dream! You could also pack them beautifully in a jar to give as a thoughtful gift, or simply enjoy them on cozy evenings with a warm cup of chamomile tea. They’re just delightful for any occasion!
Storage Tips
Now, let’s chat about keeping these cookies fresh. If you have any leftovers (which is kind of a miracle with these cookies!), here’s how to store them:
- Room temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They might get a bit soft, but who doesn’t love a chewy cookie?
- Refrigerate: You can refrigerate them to keep longer, but they do lose some of their texture. Just let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.
- Freeze: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw before enjoying!
FAQs
Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s culinary-grade. Use it sparingly, though, as dried lavender can be more potent than fresh!
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
No worries! You can substitute with another citrus juice like lime or orange. Each will give a unique taste to the cookies!
Can I add icing on top of the cookies?
Of course! A light lemon icing would be delicious. Just mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a thin glaze, and drizzle it on top after the cookies have cooled.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown, and the centers may still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
Yes! A stand mixer works beautifully for creaming the butter and sugar together. Just use the paddle attachment and follow the same steps.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend! A delightful recipe for Fresh Lemon Lavender Sugar Cookies that’s as easy as it is enchanting. I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch soon and fill your kitchen with that sweet, zesty aroma. Don’t forget to share your culinary adventures with me! I would love to hear how your cookies turned out, or what fun twists you decided to add. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Zesty Lemon Lavender Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in these easy lemon lavender sugar cookies, a zesty twist for dessert lovers. Perfect for any occasion, these delights will amaze your taste buds!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful recipe for Fresh Lemon Lavender Sugar Cookies that combines zesty lemon with calming lavender, perfect for tea parties or casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: lemon cookies, lavender cookies, sugar cookies recipe, easy dessert, tea party cookies
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