If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and floral, Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are your new go-to. These delightful little confections bring together buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies infused with bright lemon zest and just the right hint of lavender, all hugging a fluffy lemon buttercream. Each bite is like a gentle spring day, brimming with sunshine and blooms—ideal for gifting, tea parties, or any moment that deserves a touch of whimsy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies comes down to a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, adding flavor, aroma, or the perfect texture to make these cookies truly unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for achieving a rich, tender crumb and a creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the cookies their sweetness and a beautifully delicate structure.
- Large egg: Adds moisture and binds the dough for just the right chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, bridging the citrus and floral notes.
- Lemon zest: Infuses bright, citrusy flair that permeates every bite—don’t skimp!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure while keeping things tender.
- Dried culinary lavender (crushed): Offers a subtle floral aroma—be sure to use only edible, culinary-grade lavender.
- Salt: Boosts the flavors and balances the sweetness, keeping things interesting.
- Powdered sugar: Perfect for the buttercream, creating a light and velvety filling.
- Lemon juice: Adds a lip-smacking tang to the buttercream so it’s not overpoweringly sweet.
- Milk: Just a touch, to ensure the filling is perfectly spreadable and smooth.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by getting your oven ready: preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets you up for even baking and easy cleanup—a win-win! While the oven’s heating, gather and measure your ingredients so that the process flows smoothly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar. Take your time with this step—beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This is where you build the foundation for ultra-tender Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies, so don’t rush!
Step 3: Add Egg and Flavorings
Beat in your egg, then follow with vanilla extract and that incredibly fragrant lemon zest. Mix just until everything is nicely combined—this trio is the secret to the cookies’ rich flavor and wonderful scent that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed culinary lavender, and a pinch of salt. Crushing the lavender helps release its delicate oils, infusing the dough with sweetness and aroma without overpowering the lemon.
Step 5: Mix Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending gently until a soft dough forms. If your dough feels a bit too soft to handle, just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this tip helps prevent cookies from spreading too much as they bake.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls (or use a small cookie scoop for even size), and arrange them on your prepared sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass—this way, your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies will have the perfect surface for holding their creamy filling. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are kissed with gold. Let them cool completely on wire racks. Patience here pays off!
Step 7: Make the Lemon Buttercream
While your cookies are cooling, whip up the filling. Beat softened butter until extra smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat until fluffy, and add a splash of milk as needed until it’s just right for spreading or piping. This filling is what ties the whole Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookie experience together!
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe a generous layer of lemon buttercream on the flat side of half the cookies. Top each with a partner, gently pressing to create a beautiful sandwich. If you want to take them over the top, roll the cookie edges in a bit of granulated sugar or decorative lavender sugar for sparkle.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible presentation, dust your finished Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies lightly with powdered sugar or press the edges into a little extra crushed lavender sugar. Not only does this add sparkle and color, but it also amps up the floral aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a top-tier companion for a steaming pot of earl grey or a glass of lemonade. Try serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of berries for a light, colorful dessert spread. At tea time or brunch, they effortlessly turn a casual gathering into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your inner host shine: arrange Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies on a vintage cake stand, or pile them into a pretty tin with parchment for gifting. Tie a few in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful hostess or holiday treat. They also make a gorgeous favor at showers or weddings, tucked inside miniature boxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any extras, store Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Keeping them cool helps the filling stay fresh and the cookies stay tender.
Freezing
Both the cookies and the assembled sandwiches freeze beautifully! Freeze unfilled cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months, or freeze assembled sandwiches in layers separated by parchment. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
No reheating needed—it’s best to let Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies come to room temperature naturally. If you do freeze them, allow them plenty of time to thaw so the buttercream filling regains its delightful creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
For best results, stick to dried culinary lavender. Fresh lavender can sometimes add too much moisture and an overly strong flavor, while dried is easier to control and infuses just the right hint of floral fragrance in Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies.
Are Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies very sweet?
These cookies strike a lovely balance between sweet and tangy. The bright lemon zest keeps things lively, the floral lavender brings subtle complexity, and the lemon buttercream filling adds just the right touch of creamy sweetness.
What is the best way to crush dried lavender?
The easiest method is to place the dried lavender buds in a mortar and pestle and crush gently, or simply use the back of a spoon against a cutting board. This helps release their natural oils for maximum flavor in your cookies.
Can I make the cookies ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies hold up especially well. You can bake and fill them a day ahead, then store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to share.
Is culinary lavender easy to find?
Many well-stocked grocery stores carry culinary (edible) lavender, typically in the spice aisle or specialty baking section. If not, online retailers and gourmet shops are also reliable sources. Always ensure you’re buying food-grade for safe, delicious baking!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies—the fragrance, the burst of citrus, and the elegant look make every batch feel like a celebration. If you’ve never baked with lavender before, these cookies are the perfect introduction. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new signature treat!
Print
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are a perfect balance of citrus and floral flavors. The tender cookies with a hint of lavender are sandwiched together with a luscious lemon buttercream filling, creating a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream together the butter and sugar, then beat in the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, lavender, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Form dough into balls, flatten, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Beat until fluffy, adjusting with milk for consistency.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread or pipe filling onto half the cookies, then top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade lavender for best flavor.
- Chill dough if too soft.
- Roll filled cookies in sugar for decoration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
