Description
These Lavender Shortbread Cookies are buttery, delicate, and subtly infused with aromatic dried culinary lavender. Perfect for tea time or a light, floral-flavored treat, these cookies combine the classic crumbly texture of shortbread with a fragrant floral twist, baked to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter together with the powdered sugar. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and dried culinary lavender carefully, ensuring the lavender pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for uniform flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined and a dough forms. Do not overmix to maintain the tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Slice and Bake: Remove dough from refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the rounds evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom and retains their crispness.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade lavender to ensure the flavor is pleasant and safe to eat.
- For a more pronounced lavender flavor, lightly crush the dried lavender buds before adding.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or a light coffee.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to achieve perfect texture.
