Lavender Shortbread Cookies: A Delightfully Fragrant Treat

Shortbread cookies, with their buttery, crumbly texture, are a classic treat loved by many. Infusing them with the delicate floral aroma of lavender elevates them to a sophisticated and utterly delightful indulgence. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating these fragrant cookies, perfect for afternoon tea, gifting, or simply enjoying a moment of peaceful bliss.

Why Lavender Shortbread?

Lavender adds a unique dimension to the traditional shortbread. The subtle floral notes complement the richness of the butter, creating a balanced and aromatic cookie. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic that’s sure to impress. Beyond the taste, lavender is also known for its calming properties, making these cookies a truly comforting treat. Plus, the beautiful color of the lavender buds adds a visual appeal that makes them extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Unsalted Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature. It’s crucial that the butter is softened but still cool; overly soft butter will result in cookies that spread too much during baking.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ½ cup. Granulated sugar provides the necessary sweetness and helps create the crumbly texture.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 ¼ cups. All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Avoid using cake flour, as it will make the cookies too delicate.
* **Dried Lavender Buds:** 1-2 tablespoons, culinary grade. Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender, as other types may contain pesticides or have an unpleasant flavor. The amount of lavender can be adjusted to your preference; start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you desire a stronger lavender flavor.
* **Pinch of Salt:** ¼ teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
* **Optional: Lavender Extract:** ½ teaspoon. This can be used to enhance the lavender flavor, especially if your dried lavender buds are not very potent. Be cautious with the extract, as too much can make the cookies taste soapy.
* **Optional: Powdered Sugar:** For dusting after baking.

Equipment Needed

* Large Mixing Bowl (or Stand Mixer)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Sifter or Fine-Mesh Strainer (optional, for sifting flour)
* Plastic Wrap
* Rolling Pin
* Cookie Cutters (optional, for shaping the cookies)
* Baking Sheets
* Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
* Wire Rack for Cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make these delightful lavender shortbread cookies:

Step 1: Prepare the Lavender

* Place the dried lavender buds in a mortar and pestle (or a small food processor). Lightly crush them to release their fragrance. Be careful not to over-grind them into a powder, as this can make the cookies gritty. Alternatively, you can place the lavender buds in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. The mixture should be pale and creamy, not greasy.

Step 3: Add the Lavender and Salt

* Stir in the crushed lavender buds and salt into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. If using lavender extract, add it at this stage as well. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Gradually Add the Flour

* Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 5: Form the Dough into a Disc

* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a cohesive mass. Form the dough into a disc about 1 inch thick. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

* Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

* Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

* Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness.

Step 9: Cut Out the Cookies

* Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles with a knife. Re-roll any scraps of dough to cut out more cookies. Be careful not to overwork the dough when re-rolling, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 10: Arrange on Baking Sheets

* Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about ½ inch space between each cookie. This will allow for even baking.

Step 11: Bake the Cookies

* Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.

Step 12: Cool the Cookies

* Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cookies from breaking.

Step 13: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)

* Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar if desired. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Lavender Shortbread Cookies

* **Use High-Quality Butter:** Since butter is the primary flavor component in shortbread, using high-quality butter will make a significant difference in the taste of the cookies.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Roll the Dough Evenly:** Rolling the dough to an even thickness will ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaking the cookies will make them dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
* **Let the Cookies Cool Completely:** Letting the cookies cool completely before handling them will prevent them from breaking.
* **Adjust Lavender to Your Liking:** The amount of lavender can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you desire a stronger lavender flavor.
* **Experiment with Shapes:** Get creative with cookie cutters and experiment with different shapes.
* **Store Properly:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Variations

* **Lemon Lavender Shortbread:** Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright and citrusy twist.
* **Honey Lavender Shortbread:** Substitute some of the granulated sugar with honey for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Chocolate Lavender Shortbread:** Add cocoa powder to the dough for a decadent chocolatey treat.
* **Gluten-Free Lavender Shortbread:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
* **Vegan Lavender Shortbread:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

* **Afternoon Tea:** Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
* **Gifting:** Package the cookies in a pretty box or bag for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy these cookies as a light and elegant dessert.
* **Pair with Ice Cream:** Crumble the cookies over ice cream for a delicious and flavorful topping.
* **Cheese Board:** Serve the cookies alongside a cheese board for a sweet and savory combination.

Health Considerations

While these cookies are a delicious treat, it’s important to be mindful of their ingredients and potential health implications:

* **Butter:** Shortbread is high in butter, which means it’s also high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels.
* **Sugar:** The cookies contain sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems if consumed in excess.
* **Allergens:** Be aware of potential allergens such as wheat (in the flour) and dairy (in the butter). Gluten-free and vegan variations are available to address these concerns.

Enjoy these lavender shortbread cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Troubleshooting

* **Cookies Spreading Too Much:** If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, it could be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled enough. Make sure the butter is softened but still cool, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
* **Cookies Too Dry:** If your cookies are too dry, it could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown, and measure the flour accurately.
* **Cookies Too Tough:** If your cookies are too tough, it could be due to overmixing the dough. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Lavender Flavor Not Strong Enough:** If the lavender flavor is not strong enough, you can add more dried lavender buds or use lavender extract.

Storage Instructions

To keep your lavender shortbread cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions:

* **Airtight Container:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Layering:** If layering cookies in the container, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
* **Avoid Moisture:** Ensure the container is completely dry before storing the cookies, as moisture can make them soggy.
* **Room Temperature:** Shortbread cookies are best stored at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out.
* **Shelf Life:** Properly stored, lavender shortbread cookies can last for up to a week.

Conclusion

Lavender shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic buttery flavor of shortbread with the delicate floral aroma of lavender. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating these fragrant cookies, perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of homemade lavender shortbread cookies! Enjoy!