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
