Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

I have been experimenting with the art of shortbread and this version of Lavender Tea Cookies has enchanted me. Soft butter, granulated sugar and a touch of lemon zest merge with a whisper of culinary dried lavender, creating a treat crowned with a refreshing lemon glaze. I can’t wait to share it.

I recently discovered a really unique twist on classic shortbread that blew my mind. I was just playing around in my kitchen when I decided to mix 1 cup unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, add in 2 cups all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, then mix in the zest of one large lemon and a subtle 1-2 teaspoons of culinary dried lavender.

The result is delicate, buttery, and packed with a burst of lemon flavor and a hint of floral aroma. Then, I topped the baked cookies with a simple lemon glaze made by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice.

I couldn’t help but think these cookies would make an amazing Fancy Tea Party treat or ideal for High Tea gatherings. I love the idea of sharing Dessert Recipes with Herbs that feel both homemade and a bit sophisticated.

Enjoy experimenting with this recipe!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the buttery texture makes the cookies super melt-in-your-mouth and reminds me of fun afternoons baking with my family. I really enjoy how the lemon zest and dried lavender mix together, it adds a really unique and refreshing flavor that I don’t see in regular cookies. I love that it’s simple to make without using a ton of ingredients, yet it tastes fancy and elegant. And the lemon glaze on top gives a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the overall flavor, which is just awesome!

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter provides creamy fat and rich flavor, ensuring a tender melt in your mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar delivers sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie structure in every bite.
• All-purpose flour builds the cookie base with carbohydrates, forming a light, crumbly dough.
• Salt enhances overall flavors, balancing sweetness with savory notes in the dough.
• Lemon zest infuses a fresh citrus aroma and a zesty tang, uplifting the cookie flavor.
• Dried lavender offers a delicate floral twist, adding uniqueness to these buttery treats.
• Powdered sugar glaze creates a smooth icing coating, intensifying the sweet, crisp cookie finish.
• Fresh lemon juice brings a tangy brightness to the glaze, perfectly complementing each bite.
• The blend of ingredients creates a cookie with depth, aroma, and pleasing texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 1-2 teaspoons culinary dried lavender
• For the lemon glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
• For the lemon glaze: 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies wont stick.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it gets light and fluffy, then mix in the zest of one large lemon.

3. Stir in the 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender into the butter mixture making sure its evenly distributed.

4. Gradually add the 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the bowl, mixing just until the dough comes together don’t overwork it.

5. Scoop the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick then cut into your desired shapes, usually squares or rectangles work best.

6. Transfer the cut dough onto the prepared baking sheet making sure they have a bit of room between them and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges start turning a light golden color.

7. While the cookies are baking, make the lemon glaze by mixing together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice until smooth.

8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

9. Using a small spoon or a fork, drizzle the lemon glaze over the cookies once theyre mostly cooled.

10. Allow the glaze to set for a couple of minutes before serving or packaging as a homemade gift. Enjoy your tasty treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Electric mixer or a sturdy spoon for creaming the butter and sugar
5. Grater or zester for the lemon zest
6. Measuring cups and spoons for the flour, salt, sugar, lavender, powdered sugar and lemon juice
7. A clean counter or board as a floured surface for shaping and cutting the dough
8. Knife or cookie cutter for cutting the dough into shapes
9. Cooling rack for letting the cookies cool
10. Small spoon or fork for drizzling the lemon glaze over the cookies

FAQ

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter: You can use salted butter instead but just make sure to cut back a pinch of salt in the recipe
• Granulated sugar: Try using coconut sugar as a natural alternative, though the flavor might be a little different
• All-purpose flour: A gluten-free all-purpose blend works fine in the same 1-to-1 ratio if you need a gluten free option
• Culinary dried lavender: If you dont have this, a tiny pinch of dried rosemary can be fun even though its a bit earthier
• Fresh lemon juice in the glaze: You could use a splash of lime juice instead for a slightly tangier burst of flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is really softened but not melted, cause if it’s too soft it might mess up the cookie texture and you’ll end up with flat cookies.
2. Be careful with the lavender, a little goes a long way, so gradually mix in 1 teaspoon first and then taste the dough before adding more.
3. When adding the flour, stir just until you see everything come together. Overmixing can make your cookies tough even though they should be soft and slightly crumbly.
4. Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack for the glaze. If they’re too hot they can melt the glaze and ruin the smooth finish.