If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fragrant as it is delicious, these Lavender Cookies are the answer! Sweet, chewy, and delicately floral, these cookies bring a touch of elegance to your cookie jar. With their soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and the calming scent of lavender. What makes them even more special is that they’re made with lavender buds—a simple but exquisite ingredient that transforms an everyday sugar cookie into something truly memorable.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, share essential baking tips, and provide some fun variations so you can make these cookies your own. Whether you’re a lavender lover or simply looking to try something new, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!
Why This Lavender Cookie Recipe Works
These Lavender Cookies are a delightful mix of simplicity and sophistication. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Simple Yet Elegant: The base of this recipe is a classic sugar cookie, which is easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients. The twist? The addition of lavender, which elevates the cookie with its calming, fragrant flavor.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges, making them the ideal combination of soft and crunchy. The use of melted butter ensures they stay soft and tender.
- Small Batch Magic: This recipe makes just six cookies—perfect for a quick batch when you need a little treat or want to gift something special to a friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lavender Cookies
While most of the ingredients are basic pantry staples, the star of the show here is the lavender buds, which give these cookies their signature floral flavor.
Essential Ingredients
- Butter: We only need half a stick (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) of melted butter. The use of melted butter helps the cookies stay soft and eliminates the need for waiting for butter to soften.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used as the base for sweetening the cookies.
- Lavender: A small amount (½ teaspoon) of dried culinary lavender buds adds the delicate flavor and fragrance. Be sure to use culinary lavender, either from your garden (un-sprayed) or purchased from a reputable source.
- Egg Yolk: You only need the egg yolk for this recipe, which helps keep the cookies tender. If you double the recipe, use two egg yolks, and so on.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the main dry ingredient, giving structure to the cookies.
- Baking Soda and Salt: These ingredients help the cookies rise and balance the sweetness.
How to Make Lavender Cookies
These lavender cookies come together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to bake them:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Prepare Lavender Sugar
Place the granulated sugar and dried lavender buds into a mini food processor. Pulse a few times to break up the lavender and mix it into the sugar. This step releases the oils from the lavender, infusing the sugar with its unique fragrance. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and then add the lavender sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. - Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt evenly over the wet ingredients in the bowl. Stir gently until the dough comes together, making sure everything is fully incorporated. - Shape the Dough
To divide the dough evenly, press it flat in the bowl, and then divide it in half with a spatula. Divide each half into thirds. You should end up with six roughly equal-sized portions of dough. - Bake
Space the dough portions evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. The cookies will spread and crackle, and their tops will appear dry. - Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. They will flatten and crinkle as they cool. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lavender Cookies
To make sure your lavender cookies turn out just right, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Culinary Lavender: Be sure to use culinary lavender buds to ensure the flavor is safe to eat and not too overpowering. Lavender from your garden works great as long as it’s not treated with pesticides.
- Melted Butter is Key: Since this recipe uses melted butter, there’s no need to wait for butter to soften. It also contributes to the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Measure Your Flour Carefully: Be sure not to pack the flour into the measuring cup, as this can result in too much flour and dry cookies.
- Don’t Over-Bake: These cookies are best when slightly underdone in the center. If you bake them too long, they can become too crisp, so keep an eye on them!
Storage Tips for Lavender Cookies
Since this recipe yields just six cookies, it’s easy to enjoy them all in one go. However, if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Keep the cookies at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
- Freezing: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can freeze it. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on the baking sheet and bake as usual.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re feeling creative, here are some ways you can modify this lavender cookie recipe:
- Lavender Lemon Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright citrusy twist that complements the floral lavender flavor.
- Vegan Lavender Cookies: Swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg yolk.
- Lavender Almond Cookies: For a nutty variation, add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Lavender Cookies
These Lavender Cookies offer a sophisticated and calming flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Delicate flavor: The subtle lavender flavor is relaxing and floral, offering a unique cookie experience.
- Chewy texture: The cookies have chewy centers with slightly crispy edges, creating a satisfying bite.
- Perfect for gifting: These cookies are adorable, giftable, and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Serving Suggestions
These Lavender Cookies are perfect for an afternoon tea or as a light dessert. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a refined snack.
- Serve with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.
- Pack them into clear bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
FAQs About Lavender Cookies
Can I use fresh lavender for these cookies?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender buds, but you’ll need to dry them first. Fresh lavender has a higher moisture content, so drying it helps concentrate the flavor and avoid soggy cookies.
Do I need to use a food processor?
A mini food processor makes quick work of breaking up the lavender and infusing the sugar. If you don’t have one, you can crush the lavender by hand using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! If you want to make more than 6 cookies, simply double or triple the recipe. Just remember to use the appropriate number of egg yolks for the doubled or tripled batch.
Conclusion
These Lavender Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and floral, making them a standout treat. With their simple preparation and unique flavor, they’re ideal for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself to a relaxing snack or gifting them to a friend. Try this recipe today and enjoy a calming, delicious cookie experience!
Did you try making these Lavender Cookies? Rate this recipe or share your cookie creations with us! We’d love to see how they turned out.