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These delicate Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies combine the bright citrus notes of lemon with the subtle floral essence of lavender. The buttery shortbread cookies provide the perfect canvas for the creamy, aromatic filling that ties everything together. These elegant treats transport you to a sunny afternoon in a French countryside garden with every bite. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you want to elevate your cookie experience.
I first made these cookies for my sister's garden themed bridal shower and they quickly became the unexpected star of the dessert table. Even guests who claimed they didn't like floral flavors were coming back for seconds and thirds. The subtle lavender aroma paired with familiar lemon created an approachable yet unique treat that felt special without being overwhelming.
Cookie Crafting Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Provides the rich foundation for these shortbread style cookies. Use high quality butter for the best flavor as it's the predominant note in the cookie base. Look for European style butter with higher fat content for exceptional richness.
- Combination of sugars: Creates the perfect texture and sweetness level. Granulated sugar gives structure while powdered sugar dissolves completely into the dough, creating that melt in your mouth quality that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Fresh lemon zest: Brings bright citrus notes that balance the floral lavender. Always zest your lemon before juicing and use only the colorful outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith. Organic lemons work best here as their skins are free from wax and pesticides.
- Dried culinary lavender: Needs to be finely chopped to distribute evenly throughout the dough. Look specifically for culinary grade lavender, which has a milder flavor than ornamental varieties. The floral notes should complement the lemon rather than overwhelm it.
Perfect Cookie Creation
- Preparing Your Workspace:
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients measured and ready at room temperature. This mise en place approach ensures smoother preparation and better results. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning. If using lavender for the first time, take a moment to smell and taste a tiny piece to familiarize yourself with its unique flavor profile before incorporating it into your dough.
- Creating the Cookie Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture becomes notably lighter in color and fluffier in texture, typically taking about three minutes with an electric mixer. This incorporation of air creates the perfect foundation for these shortbread style cookies. Add the egg slowly, ensuring it fully incorporates before adding the vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest. The zest particularly should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
- Developing the Dough:
- Whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and finely chopped lavender in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of these ingredients. The lavender pieces should be small enough to distribute flavor without creating overwhelming pockets of floral intensity. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage develops gluten that toughens the cookies, so stop when the flour just disappears into the dough, which should be soft but not sticky.
- Shaping and Baking:
- Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and gently roll it to approximately one quarter inch thickness. Uniform thickness ensures even baking, so take your time with this step. Use a round cookie cutter approximately two inches in diameter to cut shapes, rerolling scraps as needed but handling the dough minimally to keep it tender. Transfer the cut cookies to your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart as they will spread slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for exactly 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden while centers remain pale.
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The first time I experimented with lavender in baking, I made the rookie mistake of using too much, creating cookies that tasted like soap. My grandmother gently suggested cutting the amount in half and pairing it with a strong complementary flavor like lemon. Her wisdom transformed these cookies from something questionable into family favorites. Now whenever I smell lavender, I think of her practical culinary advice that balanced tradition with gentle innovation.
Sweet Pairing Suggestions
Serve these delicate sandwich cookies alongside complementary beverages that enhance their unique flavor profile. Traditional Earl Grey tea makes a natural companion as its bergamot notes echo the floral aspects of the lavender. For afternoon gatherings, a sparkling lemonade provides refreshing contrast while reinforcing the citrus notes in the cookies. When serving as part of a dessert spread, arrange them alongside fresh berries that offer tangy counterpoints to the sweet, buttery cookies.
Fresh Storage Solutions
Store completely cooled unfilled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They maintain freshness for up to one week, though their texture is best within the first three days. Once filled, the cookies should be consumed within three days as the filling gradually softens the cookie base. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. The filling can be refrigerated separately for up to one week, brought to room temperature before assembling.
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My journey with these lemon lavender cookies began as an experiment for a special occasion, but they quickly became a signature recipe in my baking repertoire. Friends now request them for baby showers, afternoon gatherings, and holiday cookie exchanges. Their delicate appearance belies how straightforward they are to prepare, making them perfect for those moments when you want to create something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Where can I find culinary lavender for these cookies?
- Culinary lavender can be found at specialty food stores, farmers markets, herb shops, or online retailers. Make sure it's specifically labeled as 'culinary lavender' to ensure it's safe for consumption.
- → Can I make these Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the cookies and filling separately up to 3 days in advance. Store the cookies in an airtight container and the filling in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
- → How strong is the lavender flavor in these cookies?
- The lavender provides a subtle floral note that complements the lemon without being overwhelming. If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, you can infuse the butter for the filling with lavender by heating them together and then cooling before making the buttercream.
- → Can I freeze these sandwich cookies?
- Yes, these cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer until solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → What can I substitute for the lavender if I don't have it?
- If you don't have culinary lavender, you could substitute with 1 teaspoon of Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground) for a different but complementary flavor profile, or use a drop of food-grade lavender essential oil.