Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

tangy and floral lemon lavender shortbread cookies

tangy and floral lemon lavender shortbread cookies

When life gives you lemons….

when life gives you lemons

when life gives you lemons

Typically on dessert menus I either go for something rich and chocolaty, or something bright and fruity.  I have always had a weakness for desserts with a citrus note to it – lemon meringue, key lime pie…. So it is no surprise that I fell in love with these lemon lavender shortbread cookies.

These shortbread cookies are perfect for those spring and summer events. 

The lively citrus notes go so well with the hint of floral from the lavender buds.

zesty lemon lavender shortbread cookies
bright and floral lemon lavender shortbread cookies

bright and floral lemon lavender shortbread cookies

the perfect dessert for spring and summer events

the perfect dessert for spring and summer events

It is important to use culinary lavender and not the type that you would typically see in in flower shops – you don’t want to be eating all of those pesticides and other chemicals. You can typically find culinary lavender in specialty grocery stores.  I have also come across some at my local Winners, Marshals and some Bulk Barns.

I have been dying to try a recipe with lavender since I picked some up at the St. Lawrence Market here in Toronto. The lavender is not overwhelming.  You just get a hint of the floral taste afterwards.

These cookies are very rich and delicate and pair so nicely with tea.  If you’re having a tea party or a shower this year, this is definitely the dessert you are looking for.

These pretty and absolutely delicious cookies are bound to impress your guests!

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These bright shortbread cookies are perfect for spring and summer events

Makes: 3 dozen

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Prep time:

Cook time:

Ingredients:
  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Zest from 1 ½ lemons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon lavender buds

Instructions:
  1. Pre-heat oven to 325
  2. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice on the medium setting using a hand mixer
  3. Add the egg and continue to mix
  4. Slowly add the flour, baking powder and lavender and mix until well combined
  5. Drop a teaspoon sized of the batter on to a cookie sheet and lightly flatten a bit.
  6. Garnish with a few lavender buds
  7. Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden
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