Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Why Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a Great Idea

Shortbread cookies are already a delicious treat, but adding culinary lavender buds to the recipe elevates these cookies to a whole new level. The floral aroma of the lavender creates a unique and irresistible flavor that is perfect for a tea time treat with friends or as a snack. These cookies are easy to make and the recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp culinary lavender buds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and lavender buds to the bowl and mix until just combined.
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) on a lightly floured surface.
6. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Vegan Lavender Shortbread Cookies

To make vegan lavender shortbread cookies, replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and replace the sugar with coconut sugar.

Gluten-Free Lavender Shortbread Cookies

To make gluten-free lavender shortbread cookies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

For a citrus twist, add the zest of one lemon to the dough before chilling.

Conclusion

These lavender shortbread cookies are a unique and delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. The floral aroma of the lavender adds a special touch to these classic cookies, making them stand out from the crowd. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of these cookies in no time. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a snack, and savor the delicate flavor of these delightful cookies.

FAQ

What makes Lavender Shortbread Cookies special?

Lavender gives these cookies a unique aroma and flavor, adding a floral note to the classic buttery shortbread.

Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh lavender?

Yes, you can use dried lavender instead of fresh lavender. Use half the amount of dried lavender as fresh, as dried lavender is more concentrated.

Can I substitute butter with margarine?

We recommend using butter for this recipe as it provides the best flavor and texture. Margarine can be used, but the cookies will not have the same buttery taste.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape the dough into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

Can I use a cookie cutter instead of slicing the dough?

Yes, you can use a cookie cutter instead of slicing the dough. Roll out the dough to the desired thickness, cut out the cookies with a cookie cutter, and bake as directed.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I add other flavors to the cookies?

Yes, you can add other flavors to the cookies. Vanilla extract, lemon zest, or orange zest are all great options to add to the dough.

Can I use a food processor to mix the dough?

Yes, you can use a food processor to mix the dough. Pulse the flour, sugar, and lavender until combined, then add the butter and pulse until the dough comes together.

My cookies turned out too crumbly, what did I do wrong?

If your cookies turned out too crumbly, it’s possible that you didn’t mix the dough enough or that you overworked the dough. Try mixing the dough until it just comes together, and avoid overhandling the dough.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for this recipe. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour in the recipe.