Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies (Print View)
Buttery shortbread cookies with aromatic lavender and zesty lemon, finished with sweet icing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shortbread Cookies
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2/3 cup powdered sugar
03 - 2 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
04 - 1 tsp culinary dried lavender, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
→ Lemon Icing
07 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
08 - 2 to 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
10 - 1/2 tsp dried lavender buds, for garnish (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Beat softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
02 - Fold in lemon zest, chopped lavender, and salt until evenly distributed throughout the creamed mixture.
03 - Gradually blend in flour, mixing until dough just forms and no dry flour streaks remain visible.
04 - Divide dough into two equal portions. Form each into a 2-inch diameter log, wrap securely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes until firm.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
06 - Cut chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving slight space between each for expansion.
07 - Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges turn light golden brown. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy. Adjust consistency with additional lemon juice if needed.
09 - Drizzle or spread icing over cooled cookies. Garnish with dried lavender buds if desired. Let icing set completely before serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The combination of bright lemon and gentle lavender creates this sophisticated flavor profile that tastes like something from a fancy bakery
- These cookies keep beautifully for days, making them perfect for gift giving or having something elegant on hand for unexpected guests
02 -
- I once used regular garden lavender and the cookies ended up tasting soapy and overwhelming, so please stick to culinary grade
- The dough logs can be frozen for up to a month, which means you can slice and bake fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes
03 -
- Chill your baking sheets in the freezer for 10 minutes before adding the cookie slices to help them hold their shape better
- Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water between slices for the cleanest cuts through the chilled dough