Name: Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, finely chopped; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 26 reviews

If you adore the fresh zing of citrus paired with a delicate floral twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe. These cookies balance the bright, sunny notes of lemon with the subtle, soothing aroma of lavender, creating a truly enchanting bite that feels like spring baked into every tender crumb. Whether you’re baking for afternoon tea or a special gift, this recipe brings a lovely sophistication to your cookie plate without any intimidating steps. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your secret go-to when you want to impress without the fuss.

Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to deliver perfect flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role in making these cookies taste extraordinary while keeping the process wonderfully simple.

Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Granulated sugar, ¾ cup: Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate crisp edge we love on cookies.
Large egg, 1: Binds the dough together and adds moisture for a soft bite.
Lemon zest, 1 tablespoon: Bursts with bright, fresh citrus oil, intensifying lemon flavor without extra liquid.
Fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Complements the zest with a tangy acidity that enlivens the flavor.
Dried culinary lavender, 1 teaspoon, finely chopped: Brings a wonderfully floral note that pairs perfectly with lemon.
All-purpose flour, 2 ¼ cups: The structure and foundation of our cookie dough.
Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Ensures a light rise, giving the cookies a tender, delicate texture.
Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the sweet and floral flavors, balancing the taste.
Optional Glaze: Made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, this adds a glossy, tangy finish that makes the cookies extra special.

How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—this avoids sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key because it aerates your dough, leading to lighter cookies. Then, beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the finely chopped dried lavender until everything is beautifully combined and aromatic.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring after each addition until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together but still be pliable and slightly sticky. This gentle mixing helps prevent overworking the gluten, which keeps your cookies tender.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon measure, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart; allowing some space helps the cookies bake evenly and develop those pretty edges. Lightly flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass—this ensures they bake into the perfect thin, delicate shape. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges start to take on a nice golden hue. This subtle browning signals perfect doneness while keeping the centers soft.

Step 4: Cool and Add Optional Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a final touch of elegance and tang, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a shiny, zesty finish that really elevates the whole experience.

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Add an extra visual and aromatic pop by garnishing each cookie with a fresh lavender sprig or a thin slice of lemon peel. This not only looks beautiful but hints at the flavors inside, making your presentation truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fabulous alongside a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, both of which complement the floral and citrus notes beautifully. For brunch or a light dessert, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe into a stunning gift by packaging them in a pretty box with a few sprigs of dried lavender tied with twine. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a homemade lemon curd jar, perfect for a thoughtful, edible present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft for up to 4 days, though honestly, they rarely last that long around here!

Freezing

You can freeze shaped dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If you want to refresh cookies that have been stored or frozen, warm them for about 5 minutes at 300°F in the oven. This brings back that freshly baked aroma and a bit of crispness while keeping the tender texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Fresh lavender can be much stronger and more bitter than dried culinary lavender, so it’s best used sparingly or avoided. Stick to dried, food-grade lavender for the best, sweetest flavor in your Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe.

What if I don’t have lemon zest?

Lemon zest is pure flavor magic because it contains the essential oils of the fruit. If you don’t have fresh lemons or zest, you can use a good quality lemon extract, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you’d need to replace the flour with a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for baking, but keep in mind that texture and flavor might shift slightly.

How can I intensify the lavender flavor?

If you love that lovely lavender note, increase the quantity up to 1 ½ teaspoons of dried culinary lavender. Just be careful not to overdo it, especially if you’re new to floral bakes, as the flavor can easily become overpowering.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze adds a beautiful tangy finish and a little sweetness, but these cookies are delightful on their own. If you’re looking for a simpler treat or want to reduce sugar, feel free to skip the glaze—your cookies will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way lemon and lavender play together in this Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe, and I hope this has inspired you to give it a try. These cookies bring warmth, brightness, and a touch of elegance to any occasion, effortless to make but sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fill your kitchen with the refreshing scent of lemon and lavender, and enjoy every bite of this charming treat with your loved ones.