Name: Delightful Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest; 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender (must be labeled as culinary); 1 large egg (can use a flax egg for vegan option); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (non-dairy milk can be used for vegan options)

As I strolled through a quaint garden one sunny afternoon, the scent of lavender danced in the air, weaving memories of peaceful summer days. Inspired by that moment, I created these delightful Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies that blend bright citrus with gentle floral notes. This recipe not only captures the essence of spring but is also incredibly simple to make, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With a gluten-free option even the pickiest eaters can enjoy, you’ll find that these cookies are a perfect addition to your tea parties or any gathering. Their tender, crumbly texture paired with a glossy lemon icing ensures they’ll be a hit with friends and family alike. Curious about how you can elevate your baking game and impress your loved ones? Let’s get started!

Why are these cookies so special?

Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of fresh lemon and floral lavender offers a refreshing twist, setting these cookies apart from ordinary treats.
Gluten-Free Friendly: With simple substitutions, everyone can indulge in these delicate delights, making them a universal favorite.
Elegant Presentation: A glossy icing drizzled on top creates visual appeal, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Quick and Easy: From mixing ingredients to baking, this recipe can be ready to enjoy in no time, so you can spend more time with loved ones.
Versatile Options: Whether you stick with lemon lavender or try variations like orange zest, there’s a cookie style for every taste! For more delicious ideas, explore our Kitchen Sink Cookies or the refreshing Iced Raspberry Vanilla.

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and tenderness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, airy texture when creamed with butter.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.
Fresh Lemon Zest – Imparts bright, citrusy flavor—a key element for those Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies!
Dried Culinary Lavender – Offers a fragrant, floral taste; make sure it’s labeled as culinary to avoid non-food-safe varieties.
Large Egg – Binds the dough and adds moisture; can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option.

For the Icing

Powdered Sugar – Used for the icing, creating a sweet, smooth glaze.
Milk or Cream – Adjusts the icing consistency; non-dairy milk can be used for vegan options.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Dough
Begin by creaming 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears pale in color and has a soft, airy texture, perfect for your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

Step 2: Mix in the Ingredients
Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour along with the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender into the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture. Carefully fold in one large egg until the dough is smooth and cohesive, preparing it for chilling.

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it firms up the dough, preventing spreading during baking and ensuring your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies maintain their delightful shapes.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Once ready, roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, then transfer them onto parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they’re spaced a little apart.

Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want them to be firm yet tender. Once baked, they should have a lovely golden edge while remaining pale in the center.

Step 6: Cool
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before you move them. Then, carefully transfer the Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their delightful texture.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream. The icing should be smooth and pourable; adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed to create a glossy glaze that will complement your cookies beautifully.

Step 8: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, dip them into the icing or drizzle it over the top using a spoon for an elegant finish. For a pretty touch, sprinkle dried lavender on top before the icing sets. This adds not only flavor but also a lovely floral touch to your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

Storage Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fridge: For longer-lasting cookies, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy their delightful texture.

Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Ice them after thawing for the best results.

Reheating: If you’ve stored the cookies in the fridge, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to refresh their warmth and texture. Enjoy your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies!

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to personalize your Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies with these delightful options—each twist delivers a unique culinary experience!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these delicate treats.
Citrus Twist: Swap lemon zest for orange or lime zest for a fresh, zesty flavor that adds a vibrant touch to your cookies.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough for a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the buttery texture.
Flavorful Icing: Mix vanilla or almond extract into the icing for an extra layer of flavor that complements the floral notes wonderfully.
Floral Alternatives: Try using other edible flowers like chamomile or dried rose petals for an enchanting twist on the classic recipe.
Herbal Infusion: For a fragrant variation, infuse the butter with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before mixing in the other ingredients; it adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
Heat Factor: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dough for an unexpected spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Lavender Sugar: Make your own lavender-infused sugar by blending sugar with dried culinary lavender, bringing a deeper floral sweetness into both the cookies and the icing.

Feel inspired? Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes like the Lemon Butter Fish or the indulgent Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies to keep your baking adventures exciting!

Make Ahead Options

These Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For optimal freshness, shape the cookies and bake them shortly before serving. The baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days without icing to maintain their delightful texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them, ice just before serving for that fresh, lovely glaze. With these make-ahead options, you can delight your friends and family with minimal stress!

Expert Tips for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Chill the Dough: Ensure you chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading, keeping the cookies perfectly shaped during baking.
Accurate Flour Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour; this avoids dense, dry cookies that lack the lightness characteristic of Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.
Cool Before Icing: Always let your cookies cool completely before applying icing. This will prevent the glaze from melting and becoming a runny mess.
Culinary Lavender Only: Be sure to use culinary-grade lavender to ensure safety; other types of lavender may not be food-safe.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different variations; adding a hint of orange zest or substituting the floral essence can create delightful new twists on the classic Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

What to Serve with Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Baking these delightful treats evokes memories of sunlit summer afternoons, making every gathering feel extra special.

Herbal Tea: The floral notes in the cookies pair beautifully with a calming chamomile or refreshing mint tea, creating a serene sipping experience.
Fresh Berries: A medley of ripe strawberries and blueberries adds a burst of juicy freshness, balancing the cookies’ sweetness with a tart note.
Lemonade: Serve with a glass of homemade lemonade to amplify the bright lemon flavor, making for a zesty and invigorating treat.
Cheese Platter: A light cheese platter with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese enhances the cookies’ buttery richness while adding savory complexity.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Allow guests to indulge with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool, smooth texture complements the cookies’ crumbly goodness splendidly.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of dark or white chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence, creating a decadent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
Rosemary Lemonade Fizz: Mix up a refreshing rosemary lemonade fizz—sparkling water and a hint of fresh rosemary add an herbal contrast to the floral cookie essence.

These pairing ideas are sure to elevate your cookie experience, turning any occasion into a delightful celebration!

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right lavender for this recipe?
Absolutely! You want to select dried culinary lavender, which is specifically meant for food use. Look for packaging labeled as culinary to ensure it’s safe to eat. Avoid any decorative or non-food-grade lavender as they might not be safe for consumption.

How should I store my Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer enjoyment, they can last a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure to bring them back to room temperature for optimal taste and texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very! To freeze the dough, shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

What should I do if my cookies spread during baking?
Don’t worry, it happens! If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to the dough being too warm or not chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out, and keep your baking sheets cool. If they continue to spread, try adding a bit more flour to the dough next time.

Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a vegan option, you can replace the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long will the icing last on the cookies before they need to be eaten?
You can top your cookies with icing and keep them at room temperature for 1 to 2 days before the icing starts to lose its gloss. If you prefer to enjoy your cookies longer, I recommend icing just before serving to maintain that beautiful finish and texture.