The Dreamiest Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Lemon lavender shortbread cookies offer a delightful twist on classic baked treats that dance between sweet and floral.

Subtle aromatics elevate this traditional dessert into something truly memorable.

Crisp and delicate, these cookies whisper elegant sophistication with each buttery bite.

Fragrant herbs blend seamlessly with bright citrus notes, creating a sensory experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

European pastry traditions inspire this modern culinary creation, enhanceing simple ingredients into a sophisticated indulgence.

Soft lavender undertones complement zesty lemon, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes taste buds.

Crumbly textures and complex flavors make these cookies an irresistible afternoon companion.

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies That Look and Taste Elegant

• Burst with Bright Flavor Combinations: These cookies deliver a delightful dance of zesty lemon and soothing lavender, creating a sophisticated taste that's both refreshing and elegant.
• Master Easy Slice-and-Bake Technique: The simple food processor method and straightforward pan-pressing technique make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring foolproof preparation.
• Create Stunning Visual Presentation: The delicate icing and optional lavender/lemon zest sprinkle transform these shortbread cookies into an Instagram-worthy treat that looks as amazing as they taste.
• Enjoy Versatile Occasion Cookies: These sophisticated yet simple cookies work wonderfully for afternoon tea, bridal showers, summer gatherings, or as an impressive homemade gift that feels both luxurious and personal.

Ingredients for Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft wheat flour provides the base structure and tender crumb for classic shortbread cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Super fine sugar creates delicate texture and smooth sweetness in the cookie dough.
• Lavender: Fragrant dried herb adds subtle floral notes and elegant flavor to the shortbread.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Rich, high-quality unsalted butter delivers classic shortbread richness and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure extract adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus juice provides tangy undertone and helps bind the dough.
• Lemon Zest: Fresh citrus zest brings intense lemon aroma and vibrant flavor to the cookies.

• Powdered Sugar: Smooth sugar creates glossy, pure white icing with perfect drizzling consistency.
• Meringue Powder: Stabilizes icing and helps create a smooth, shiny finish on cookie tops.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice thins the icing and adds subtle citrus brightness.

How to Make Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

• Flour
• Powdered sugar
• Salt
• Lemon zest
• Dried lavender

Pulse everything until perfectly blended. Slowly add butter tablespoon by tablespoon while processing. Mix until the texture becomes moist and crumbly. Pour in vanilla and lemon juice, processing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.

Step 2: Shape and Prepare the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a clean countertop. Gently shape into a smooth disk and dust with flour. Press the dough into a lined 8 or 9-inch baking pan. Carefully slice into precise squares (5×5 for 25 cookies or 6×6 for 36 cookies). Use a toothpick to dock small holes across the surface, preventing unwanted puffing. Pop the pan into the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm up the oven to 300°F. Slide the chilled pan into the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden brown color. While still warm, re-cut the cookies and allow them to cool completely inside the pan.

Step 4: Create Elegant Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Meringue powder
• Lemon juice

Blend until you achieve a smooth, drizzly consistency. Dip the cookie tops into the icing and sprinkle with extra lavender or lemon zest for a stunning finish. Let the icing set for 4-6 hours before serving.

Tips to Perfect Lavender Flavor in Shortbread Cookies

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and butter to ensure the perfect shortbread texture.
• Chill for Perfection: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain crisp edges during baking.
• Dock with Care: Gently poke holes with a toothpick to prevent the shortbread from puffing up and maintain a smooth, even surface.
• Cut While Warm: Slice the cookies immediately after baking while still warm to get clean, sharp edges.
• Patience with Icing: Allow the lemon icing to set completely (4-6 hours) for a glossy, professional-looking finish that enhances both flavor and appearance.

Storing Lemon Lavender Cookies Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap uniced cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before icing.
• Reheat: Warm cookies gently in a 250°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Allow to cool completely before serving to maintain texture.

What Pairs Well with These Lavender Cookies

• Pair with Herbal Tea: Brew a delicate chamomile or Earl Grey tea to complement the lemon and lavender notes, creating a soothing flavor harmony that enhances the shortbread's subtle aromatics.
• Match with Citrus Sorbet: Serve alongside a light lemon or bergamot sorbet, which will refresh the palate and echo the cookie's bright citrus undertones while providing a cool contrast.
• Enjoy with Sparkling Wine: Select a crisp prosecco or champagne with light floral hints, letting the bubbles cut through the buttery cookie and amplify the delicate lavender essence.
• Combine with Mild Cheese: Offer a small plate of soft goat cheese or mascarpone, whose creamy texture and gentle tang will beautifully balance the cookie's sweet and herbal profile.

Elegant Variations for Iced Lemon Lavender Cookies

• Lavender Orange Shortbread: Swap lemon zest with orange zest, add orange extract, and garnish with candied orange peel for a citrusy Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Rosemary Honey Shortbread: Replace lavender with finely chopped fresh rosemary, drizzle with local honey glaze, and sprinkle sea salt for a savory-sweet profile.
• Almond Lavender Shortbread: Mix ground almonds into the flour, use almond extract instead of vanilla, and top with sliced toasted almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Lavender Shortbread: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, add xanthan gum for binding, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive bakers.

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Cool Mediterranean flavors dance through delicate shortbread cookies, blending zesty lemon with soothing lavender. Delightful crumbly texture and elegant notes make these cookies perfect companions for afternoon tea or quiet moments of indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup powdered sugar
• 0.75 cup cold unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoon dried edible lavender

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 zest of small lemon
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh or bottled lemon juice

Icing Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons meringue powder
• 2.5–3 tablespoons fresh or bottled lemon juice
• Dried edible lavender (for decoration)
• Lemon zest (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Pulverize flour, powdered sugar, salt, lemon zest, and lavender in a food processor until uniformly blended.
2. Gradually incorporate butter while processing, creating a moist and crumbly texture.
3. Add vanilla and lemon juice, continuing to process until the dough coheres into a unified mass.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently form into a smooth disk.
5. Press the dough into a lined baking pan, ensuring an even layer across the surface.
6. Slice the dough into precise grid-like squares using a sharp knife, creating 25 or 36 cookie portions depending on pan size.
7. Perforate the dough surface with small punctures using a toothpick to prevent unwanted rising during baking.
8. Refrigerate the prepared dough for half an hour to firm and enhance flavor integration.
9. Heat the oven to 300°F, positioning the rack in the center.
10. Bake the shortbread until edges transform to a golden-amber hue, approximately 45 minutes.
11. While still warm, re-slice the cookies along original cut lines to ensure clean edges.
12. Allow cookies to cool completely within the baking pan, maintaining structural integrity.
13. Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and lemon juice until achieving a silky, pourable icing consistency.
14. Delicately dip cookie tops into the glaze, creating an elegant white coating.
15. Garnish with delicate lavender sprigs or fresh lemon zest for visual and aromatic appeal.
16. Permit the icing to solidify for 4-6 hours before serving, ensuring a pristine presentation.

Notes

• Lavender and lemon combine beautifully in this delicate, buttery shortbread that melts in your mouth with a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Precise cutting and chilling are crucial for achieving perfectly crisp, uniform cookies that showcase professional bakery-style presentation.
• Using a food processor ensures smooth, consistent dough without overworking ingredients, creating a tender texture that’s light and crumbly.
• Dock the dough with a toothpick to prevent puffing and ensure even baking, which helps maintain the cookies’ elegant rectangular shape.
• Low-temperature baking at 300°F guarantees golden edges without burning, preserving the delicate lavender and bright lemon notes.
• Waiting 4-6 hours for icing to set allows a glossy, professional finish that makes these cookies look as stunning as they taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg