Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies

Name: Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Artisan Dessert Bakes

I absolutely love baking cookies, and these Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies have become a favorite in our home. The combination of fragrant lavender and bright lemon creates a delightful balance that is both refreshing and unique. I enjoy serving them at gatherings, as they always spark curiosity and compliments. With just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of floral notes, they’re perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe; it’s a true celebration of flavors that’s simple enough for any baker to master.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:41:27.709Z

As I ventured into making these cookies, I realized that using culinary lavender was the key to enhancing the flavor. The first time I incorporated the lavender into the dough, the aroma filled my kitchen and immediately transported me to a blooming field. I’ve learned that the quality of the lavender matters; using dried culinary lavender gives these cookies a fragrant depth that pairs beautifully with lemon.

While mixing the dough, I discovered that chilling it for at least 30 minutes really helps the dough hold its shape while baking. This step prevents them from spreading too much, resulting in perfectly round cookies. I also recommend using fresh lemon zest, which elevates the citrus flavor even further!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
The delightful combination of floral and citrus brings a unique twist to classic sugar cookies.
They’re easy to make and look stunning on any dessert table.
Perfectly light yet satisfying, they disappear quickly at gatherings!

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to the exquisite flavor of Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies lies in the quality of the ingredients. Culinary lavender is a special type of lavender suitable for cooking, with a sweeter and less medicinal flavor than typical garden varieties. Make sure to use dried culinary lavender, which will bloom during baking, releasing its fragrant essence into the cookies. For lemon, fresh zest and juice elevate the taste considerably, imparting a bright, tangy lift that balances the floral notes beautifully.

Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also promotes the right texture. It helps achieve that desirable chewy edge characteristic of sugar cookies while keeping the centers tender. If you're looking for a less processed alternative, you can experiment with coconut sugar. While it will impart a subtle caramel flavor, ensure to adjust the measurements slightly, as different sugars absorb moisture differently.

Baking Tips for Success

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Allowing the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes gives the flour time to absorb moisture, resulting in a better texture. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. For even more control, consider chilling the dough for up to two hours, especially if you live in a warmer climate or if your dough is soft and sticky after mixing.

When shaping the cookies, a small cookie scoop can ensure even sizing, resulting in uniform baking. Remember to flatten the dough balls slightly before baking; this promotes even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful golden edges. Keep an eye on the cookies and take them out of the oven when the edges are just golden while the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies:

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp dried culinary lavender

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

Once you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and dried lavender. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until well blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Shape and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies!

Enjoy your cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

Using a quality culinary lavender is key to achieving the best flavor. Adjust the amount of lemon and lavender according to your preference for a more intense flavor. These cookies are perfect for gifting as well.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies can be made ahead and stored for up to a week when properly kept in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their fresh taste and texture, consider layering parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can scoop the cookie balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time when using frozen dough.

For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. To do this, allow them to cool completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When it’s time to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about five minutes to revive their freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies can be dressed up for special occasions. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add an elegant touch. Additionally, these cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or lemonade, enhancing their flavors. For a more indulgent treat, consider drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for added sweetness and an eye-catching finish.

You can also experiment with variations on this base recipe. Adding white chocolate chips or macadamia nuts can introduce delightful textural contrasts, while a blueberry or raspberry compote served on the side can complement the flavors wonderfully. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, ensuring to add a bit of xanthan gum for structure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Fresh lavender is not recommended as it can be too moist and affect the texture of the cookies. Stick to dried culinary lavender for the best results.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute the lemon juice with another flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with other citrus juices like lime or orange, but the flavor will change. Lemon provides a nice balance with lavender.

→ What other flavors can I add to these cookies?

Consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture! You can also adjust the amount of lavender or lemon to suit your taste.