Zesty Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Sweet, buttery shortbread gets a delightful upgrade with a refreshing iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies twist that dances between bright citrus and delicate floral notes.

These elegant cookies offer a sophisticated treat perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings.

Crisp lavender-infused edges complement the soft, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.

The zesty lemon glaze adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the rich buttery base.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of flavors that feels both nostalgic and modern.

The subtle purple specks of lavender create a visual charm that makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.

You’ll love how these simple yet impressive cookies elevate any dessert spread with their unique, aromatic profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 22

Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

• Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for consistent texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates delicate sweetness and smooth mouthfeel, sift to remove any lumps.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Lavender: Adds subtle floral notes, select culinary-grade dried lavender for best taste.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright citrus essence, use fresh lemons for maximum aromatic impact.

• Butter: Delivers rich flavor and creates tender crumb, select high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Vanilla: Rounds out flavor profile, choose pure vanilla extract for authentic taste.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and helps bind ingredients, fresh squeezed works best.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy finish for cookies, ensure no clumps.
• Meringue Powder: Helps icing set and maintain structure, stabilizes glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy brightness to icing, adjust consistency as needed.
• Lavender (Optional Decoration): Sprinkle for visual appeal and extra flavor note.
• Lemon Zest (Optional Decoration): Adds pop of color and fresh citrus essence.

Tools You’ll Need for Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• Food Processor: Essential for mixing dry ingredients and creating a perfectly crumbly dough.
• Baking Pan (8 or 9-inch): Lined with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and shaping.
• Toothpick: Used for docking the dough to prevent unwanted puffing during baking.
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the icing and combining ingredients.
• Whisk or Spoon: To mix the icing until smooth and drizzly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cutting Knife or Bench Scraper: To cut cookies into neat squares while warm.
• Cooling Rack (optional): Helps cookies cool evenly after baking.

How to Make Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• Flavor Foundation

Grab your food processor and blend flour, powdered sugar, fragrant lemon zest, and delicate lavender into a harmonious mixture. The goal is creating a light, aromatic base that whispers of summer gardens.

• Dough Transformation

Introduce cool butter and vanilla, pulsing until the blend becomes a soft, crumbly landscape. Gently press the mixture into a lined baking pan, transforming it into a smooth canvas ready for cutting into delicate squares.

• Chilling Preparation

Slide the pan into the refrigerator, allowing the dough to rest and firm up. This quiet pause helps the flavors meld and ensures a perfectly crisp texture when baked.

• Golden Baking

Warm the oven to a gentle 300°F. Bake the shortbread until edges turn a beautiful golden hue, releasing a tantalizing aroma of lemon and lavender that fills the kitchen.

• Elegant Finishing

Craft a silky icing using powdered sugar and bright lemon juice. Drizzle and decorate each cookie, adding a sprinkle of lavender or zest for a final touch of elegance. Let the icing set, turning these cookies into a sophisticated treat perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings.

Customizing Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• Replace lavender with dried rosemary or thyme for an herb-infused variation that brings a savory touch to these delicate shortbread cookies.
• Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days before baking, allowing flavors to develop and making prep easier for busy bakers who want fresh cookies anytime.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising the delicate texture.
• Use a small offset spatula or squeeze bottle for more precise and elegant icing application, creating professional-looking cookies that will impress family and friends.

How to Serve Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• Elegant Tea Party Companion: Serve these delicate shortbread cookies alongside a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat that elevates your gathering.
• Gifting Gourmet Delight: Package these cookies in a beautiful clear box with a satin ribbon, creating a perfect homemade gift for friends, hostesses, or special occasions that showcases your baking skills.
• Summer Dessert Platter: Arrange the iced cookies on a white marble board with fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices, creating a stunning visual display that highlights the cookies' delicate flavors and elegant appearance.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Add these cookies to a brunch dessert spread, complementing light pastries and fresh fruit for a refined touch that will impress your guests with their subtle lemon and lavender notes.

Storing Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• Refrigeration Roadmap: Store these delicate cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap the unbaked dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for perfect texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated. This allows flavors to develop and simplifies your baking process.
• Travel-Friendly Treats: Pack these cookies in a rigid container with cushioning to prevent cracking during transport. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain their delicate structure.

Silky Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Delicate iced lemon lavender shortbread cookies offer a sophisticated blend of citrus and floral notes from Mediterranean regions. Delightful layers of buttery richness complement subtle herbal undertones, inviting bakers to explore elegant cookie crafting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup (177 ml) powdered sugar
• 0.75 cup (170 g) cold unsalted butter
• 1 zest of small lemon
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh or bottled lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp dried edible lavender
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp coarse kosher salt
• 1 cup (237 ml) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp meringue powder
• 2.5–3 tbsps (37–45 ml) fresh or bottled lemon juice
• Dried edible lavender (for decoration)
• Lemon zest (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pulverize flour, powdered sugar, salt, lemon zest, and lavender in a food processor until uniformly blended, gradually incorporating butter to create a moist, crumbly texture.
2. Dough Formation: Add vanilla and lemon juice, processing until the dough coheres, then transfer to a floured surface and shape into a smooth disk, pressing evenly into a lined baking pan.
3. Pre-Baking Preparation: Slice the dough into precise grid-like squares, perforating the surface with small punctures to prevent rising, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor integration.
4. Baking Process: Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 300°F, baking the shortbread until edges transform to a golden-amber hue, approximately 45 minutes.
5. Cookie Refinement: While warm, re-slice along original cut lines to ensure clean edges, then cool completely within the baking pan to maintain structural integrity.
6. Icing and Decoration: Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and lemon juice to create a silky, pourable icing, delicately dipping cookie tops to achieve an elegant white coating.
7. Finishing Touches: Garnish with lavender sprigs or fresh lemon zest, allowing the icing to solidify for 4-6 hours before serving to ensure a pristine presentation.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Cold dough prevents spreading and locks in delicate herb and citrus flavors, creating a more refined texture and concentrated taste profile.
• Precision Matters: Use a sharp knife and ruler for consistently sized cookies, ensuring even baking and professional-looking presentation.
• Toothpick Technique: Piercing dough prevents unwanted rising and helps cookies maintain their elegant geometric shape during baking.
• Patience with Icing: Allow 4-6 hours for glaze to set completely, which creates a smooth, glossy finish and prevents smudging or running when handling cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg