If you love the idea of tender, buttery cookies filled with a subtle floral punch and a touch of natural sweetness, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity, making them a stunning treat for afternoon tea, special gatherings, or thoughtful homemade gifts. Each bite melts in your mouth, with the gentle aroma of lavender beautifully complemented by the richness of honey and vanilla. It’s a recipe that brings out both comfort and sophistication, all wrapped up in a golden, crumbly delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering flawless flavor, texture, and aroma. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the delicate hint of lavender, every component enhances the cookie’s tender crumb and distinct character.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, tender base that melts beautifully in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Adds a smooth sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Brings a natural sweetness with floral notes that pair perfectly with the lavender.
- Culinary lavender (1½ tsp, finely ground): Offers that subtle, fragrant floral flavor—make sure it’s food-grade!
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor profile with warm, cozy vanilla notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies, keeping them tender yet sturdy.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.
How to Make Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by softening your butter so it blends effortlessly with the powdered sugar. Cream them together in a large bowl until the mixture is perfectly light and fluffy—this step ensures that your cookies will have that irresistible tender crumb.
Step 2: Add Honey, Lavender, and Vanilla
Next, stir in the honey, finely ground culinary lavender, and vanilla extract. Grinding the lavender finely with a bit of sugar beforehand will help it distribute evenly, making every bite fragrant and perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gently add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. This way, you avoid overworking the dough, keeping your shortbread tender and crumbly rather than tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes. This chilling step is essential for firm dough that’s easy to roll out and for preserving that delicate texture when baked.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough to about a ¼-inch thickness and cut into your favorite cookie shapes. Pop these onto baking sheets spaced evenly for perfect heat circulation and consistent baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, watching closely so they turn a lovely pale golden color on the edges but stay soft and delicate in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep that classic shortbread crumb.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps the flavor set perfectly.
How to Serve Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle a few dried lavender buds or lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a visual hint of the floral notes waiting inside each bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. Serve alongside a delicate cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, or even a light coffee for an afternoon refreshment that feels like a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies tied with a lavender sprig or place them neatly in a beautiful tin or glass jar with a rustic ribbon for gifting. They make darling party favors or an elegant addition to a dessert tray at any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to one week, perfect for keeping your treats handy.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, these shortbreads freeze beautifully. Wrap them carefully in parchment and place in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies’ buttery softness after freezing or a day or two in storage, warm them gently in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back their just-baked charm without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use dried lavender instead of culinary lavender for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to use culinary-grade lavender specifically meant for cooking. Grinding the dried lavender finely helps distribute its flavor without any bitter or overpowering notes.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll and cut while helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Honey is key to the unique flavor profile here, but you could try maple syrup or agave in equal amounts. Keep in mind this will subtly change the taste and possibly the texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
You’ll want to look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers pale. Overbaking can lead to a harder texture, so it’s best to keep a close eye and remove them as soon as they’re just set.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe is truly a little piece of joy in every buttery, floral bite. Whether you’re making them to share with loved ones or as a special treat for yourself, they’re guaranteed to brighten any day or gathering. So, don’t wait — bake up a batch, savor each tender crumb, and enjoy the delicate harmony of lavender and honey that make these cookies simply unforgettable.
Print
Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 20–24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These lavender honey shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and delicately floral with a touch of natural sweetness. Perfect with tea or coffee, they’re elegant yet simple cookies ideal for spring gatherings, bridal showers, or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1½ tsp culinary lavender, finely ground
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates the base texture for the shortbread dough.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the honey, finely ground culinary lavender, and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine the floral and sweet flavors into the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture, gently mixing until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overwork it to keep a tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes to firm it up for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Roll the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden to preserve the delicate texture.
- Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade lavender only to ensure safe and pleasant flavor.
- Grinding the lavender with sugar before mixing helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dough.
- Do not overbake; the shortbread should remain pale with lightly golden edges to maintain tenderness.
- Cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week, preserving freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
