Lemon lavender cookies are a delightful combination of bright citrus flavor and subtle floral notes. These buttery, slightly crisp cookies melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of tart and sweet. They make an elegant treat for afternoon tea, special occasions, or whenever you crave a unique, refreshing dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicate & Unique Flavor – The mix of lemon and lavender creates a refreshing, lightly floral taste.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time make these cookies a breeze.
Buttery & Crisp – A light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
Customizable – Add icing, extra zest, or swap flavors for variety.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for tea parties, bridal showers, or homemade gifts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Dried culinary lavender (finely ground)
Lemon zest
Fresh lemon juice
Egg
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Salt

Directions

Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground lavender.
Cream Butter & Sugar – In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine & Chill Dough – Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
Shape & Bake – Roll dough into small balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Cool & Serve – Let cookies cool on a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Lemon Glaze – Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for a light drizzle on top.
Lavender Shortbread Style – Skip the egg and use a crumbly shortbread dough.
Extra Citrus – Add orange or lime zest for a citrus blend.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Herbal Twist – Add a hint of rosemary or thyme for a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 10 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

What type of lavender should I use?

Use culinary lavender, which is safe to eat and milder in flavor than regular lavender.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but use half the amount since fresh lavender is more potent.

How do I grind lavender?

Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to finely crush dried lavender buds.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavors.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but reducing sugar may affect texture and crispness.

How do I prevent the cookies from being too floral?

Use lavender sparingly and balance it with enough lemon zest and juice.

What pairs well with these cookies?

Enjoy them with tea, coffee, or a light fruit salad.

Can I make these into bar cookies?

Yes! Press the dough into a baking dish and cut into bars after baking.

Can I use lavender extract instead of dried lavender?

Yes, but use only a few drops to avoid overpowering the flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon lavender cookies are a sophisticated, fragrant treat with a perfect blend of citrus and floral notes. Whether you enjoy them with tea or as a light dessert, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and savor a delicate, refreshing twist on classic cookies!