A warm breeze dances through the air, carrying hints of citrus and floral notes that beckon you into the kitchen. Imagine biting into a buttery shortbread cookie that melts in your mouth while bursting with the zesty brightness of lemon and the delicate fragrance of lavender. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread cookies.
it’s Mother’s Day morning, and you’ve just donned an apron that hasn’t seen action in far too long. You’re about to whip up a batch of these delightful treats. The laughter of family mingles with the sweet aroma wafting from the oven as everyone eagerly awaits that first bite. Trust me; these cookies will be the highlight of your day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lemon lavender shortbread is a breeze to make and requires minimal ingredients
- Its refreshing flavor makes every bite an experience worth savoring
- The stunning presentation will impress guests at any gathering or celebration
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with tea or serve as a delightful dessert after dinner
I still remember when I made these for my mom last year; her delighted squeal echoed through the house!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture in your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely crumble we all adore in shortbread.
- Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemons for a burst of citrusy goodness; trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Dried Lavender Buds: Opt for culinary-grade lavender to ensure safety and flavor; it’s like a fragrant hug in cookie form!
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cookie dough; sifting it helps create a lighter texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors wonderfully without making them taste salty.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it!
Add Flavorful Ingredients: Mix in lemon zest, dried lavender buds, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
Incorporate Flour Gradually: Gently fold in sifted all-purpose flour using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet—leave space between them for spreading.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. Let them cool on wire racks before indulging!
Now you’ve got an impressive batch of Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread cookies ready to share (or hide from others). Enjoy this tasty treat that brings warmth not just through its flavors but also through cherished moments shared around the table!
You Must Know
- This Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread recipe combines delightful flavors that create a melt-in-your-mouth experience
- The aromatic lavender and zesty lemon bring a refreshing twist, making these cookies perfect for celebrating mom
- Their buttery texture will remind you of sunny days in a blooming garden
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Timing is everything! Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, followed by mixing in dry ingredients. Chill the dough before baking to achieve perfectly shaped cookies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors! Swap out lavender for rosemary or add white chocolate chips for an indulgent twist. A pinch of sea salt on top can elevate the sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness and flavor balance
- Make sure to finely chop the lavender to ensure even distribution throughout the dough
- Letting the dough chill prevents spreading during baking, keeping those beautiful shapes intact
There’s nothing like watching my kids’ faces light up when they smell these cookies baking; it’s pure joy! They always have fun helping me sprinkle sugar on top before they go into the oven.
FAQ
Can I use dried lavender from my garden for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s food-safe and finely chopped for best flavor.
How do I know when my shortbread is done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges; they should feel firm but not hard.
Can I freeze these cookies for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without loss of flavor.
Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the aroma of these Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread cookies, a perfect blend of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender. Celebrate mom with a treat that’s both easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add lemon zest, dried lavender buds, salt, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually fold in the sifted flour until just combined; avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Allow to cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- For an extra twist, try substituting lavender with finely chopped rosemary or adding white chocolate chips for sweetness.
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can enhance the flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg