If you’re looking to brighten up your cookie game with a delightfully fresh and floral twist, this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming little treats combine zesty lemon and fragrant lavender into a tender, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. The subtle floral notes of lavender perfectly complement the citrus zing of lemon, making each bite feel like a mini escape to a sun-drenched garden party. Whether you want to impress guests or just spoil yourself, these cookies strike a gorgeous balance between elegant and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors each ingredient brings. Every component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, aroma, and taste, so gather them carefully to get the best results.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their delicate crumb and structure.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon zest perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Packs a punch of bright citrus flavor and that unmistakable fresh aroma.
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds: Adds a subtle floral note, but be sure to use culinary-grade to avoid bitterness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender crumb with a luscious buttery flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for the perfect cookie texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures just enough lift so the cookies stay light and airy.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Sprinkled on top to add a pretty, sweet finishing touch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brings a bright, tangy balance to the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This simple prep step will save you from any baking mishaps and make cleanup easier too.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture. Once creamy, beat in the egg until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix in the Lemon and Lavender
Gently fold in the lemon zest, dried culinary lavender buds, and fresh lemon juice. This stage is where the flavors really come alive—take your time to mix them evenly throughout the dough so every bite bursts with that charming lemon-lavender aroma.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the all-purpose flour and baking powder into your wet mixture, stirring just until you no longer see flour streaks. Be cautious not to overmix here, or the cookies might turn out tough instead of tender and crumbly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough rounds onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to prevent spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a lovely light golden. Let them cool completely before moving on.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are wonderful dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant look. For a special occasion, you could place a small edible flower petal or additional lavender buds on top, but keep it minimal to highlight the natural beauty and scent of the cookies.
Side Dishes
Serve these alongside a cup of your favorite tea—Earl Grey or chamomile are divine companions. A glass of sparkling lemonade or even a light dessert wine also pairs beautifully, enhancing the citrus and floral notes without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a lemon-flavored buttercream or honey-lavender cream cheese filling for a decadent twist. Another fun idea is to drizzle melted white chocolate over the top, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their delightful texture and flavor for up to 5 days, perfect if you want to enjoy them over the week or share with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen without losing their delicate lemon and lavender essence.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh their tender texture and aromatic flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
It’s best to use dried culinary lavender buds because fresh lavender can be overpowering and may add unwanted bitterness. Dried lavender has a more concentrated aroma and blends smoothly into the dough.
How important is the lemon zest in this recipe?
The lemon zest is essential as it delivers fresh, vibrant citrus oils that brighten the cookies and balance the floral lavender beautifully. Don’t skip it or substitute with bottled lemon juice, as the zest provides a unique and aromatic flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that texture might slightly differ, often yielding a more crumbly cookie. Adding a binding agent like xanthan gum can help maintain structure.
What’s the best way to grind lavender buds for baking?
Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to lightly crush the dried lavender buds before adding them. This helps release more flavor without turning the buds into powder, which can be bitter if overused.
Can I add a filling between the sandwich cookies?
Absolutely! A lemon buttercream, honey-lavender cream cheese, or even a simple lemon curd makes an excellent filling that enhances the sandwich concept. Just make sure the cookies are completely cooled before adding any filling.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, bright flavors wrapped up in a delicate and tender cookie. Baking them fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s almost as lovely as the taste itself. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll find it’s the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your everyday treats or special occasions. Share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself; either way, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile.
Print
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies offer a delightful balance of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender, baked to perfection for a light, buttery treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or a special dessert, these cookies combine floral and citrus notes in a delicate, crisp texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Dusting
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies do not stick and cook evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies. Then add the egg and mix thoroughly to incorporate.
- Add Flavors: Gently fold in the lemon zest, dried culinary lavender buds, and fresh lemon juice into the creamed butter mixture to evenly distribute the bright and floral flavors into the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the mixture, folding carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving. Once cooled, dust each cookie lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Dried culinary lavender buds should be food-grade to ensure the best flavor and safety.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest slightly but avoid adding too much juice to maintain dough consistency.
- For a sandwich cookie variation, consider adding a lemon glaze or lavender-infused cream cheese filling between two cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
