The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air as you prepare to treat your mom this Mother’s Day. Imagine biting into a delicate lemon lavender shortbread that melts in your mouth and makes your taste buds dance with joy. This delightful dessert is not just a feast for the senses; it’s also a heartfelt gift that says, “Thanks for all the times you’ve put up with me!”
it’s a sunny Sunday morning, and you’re gathered around the table with your family. The laughter is infectious as everyone takes a bite of these zesty yet floral delights. The combination of bright lemon and soothing lavender creates an enchanting flavor experience that makes every occasion feel like a celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delightful cookies are surprisingly simple to whip up, perfect for novice bakers or busy moms alike.
- They boast a unique flavor profile that combines citrusy brightness with floral notes for a delightful twist.
- Their elegant appearance will impress anyone at your gathering while being versatile enough for any occasion.
- Best of all, they fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that’s sure to spark joy!
I once made these cookies for my mom’s birthday party, and they vanished faster than I could say “lavender.” Everyone raved about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing and to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds the perfect balance to the tangy lemon zest.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest provides an intense citrus burst that elevates these cookies.
- Lavender Buds: Ensure they’re culinary-grade; they add that lovely floral note we all adore!
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have base ingredient that holds everything together beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting on top for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grab some parchment paper and line your baking sheets so you’re ready to go!
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like whipped clouds.
Add Flavorful Elements: Mix in the fresh lemon zest and culinary lavender buds until evenly distributed throughout the buttery mixture. The aroma will transport you straight to a sunny garden.
Sift Together Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt before gently folding it into the buttery mix. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies here!
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between them as they will spread slightly during baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Once cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats with tea or coffee while basking in compliments from family and friends!
You Must Know
- The Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread is a delightful treat that combines zesty lemon and floral lavender for a unique flavor.
- This easy recipe brings warmth and joy, making it perfect for special occasions or simply indulging yourself.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in dry ingredients to create a smooth dough.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon zest for orange zest or add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. No need to reheat; enjoy them as they are.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use quality butter for rich flavor; it makes a significant difference.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain shape while baking.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Baking these delightful shortbread cookies reminded me of my childhood kitchen experiments with my grandma, where flour clouds and laughter filled the air.
FAQ
Can I use dried lavender in the Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread?
Yes, dried culinary lavender works perfectly in this shortbread recipe.
How do I know when my shortbread is done baking?
The edges should be slightly golden while remaining soft in the center.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough wrapped tightly for up to three months.
Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread
Delight in these Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, a fragrant treat perfect for Mother’s Day. Easy to make, they offer a zesty twist that will impress every mom.
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp culinary lavender buds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon zest and culinary lavender until evenly combined.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gently fold into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft. Allow cooling slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
- For variation, substitute lemon zest with orange zest or add a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
