Lavender Shortbread
Lavender shortbread offers a delicate, floral flavor with hints of mint, perfect for sophisticated tea parties or as a sweet, aromatic treat for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put a few lavender buds in a sealed jar with powdered sugar and let sit for a day to infuse the sugar with lavender aroma.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until creamy.
- Stir in chopped lavender and chopped mint.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool, then dust with lavendered powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you can't find fresh lavender, dried lavender works too, but use it sparingly as it's more potent. You can substitute the mint with other herbs like rosemary for a unique twist. Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling out to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These lavender shortbread cookies make a delightful accompaniment to tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with an Apricot Nectar Cooler for a refreshing contrast. For a special touch, serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Garnish with extra lavender buds for a lovely presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lavender Shortbread contains roughly 106 calories, with 0g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other flavors instead of lavender?
Absolutely! You can customize the shortbread by using different herbs or extracts. For example, lemon zest or vanilla extract can be excellent alternatives. Just remember to adjust the quantities to avoid overpowering the flavor.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If the dough feels too crumbly and doesn't hold together, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to help it bind. Mix gently until it comes together, but be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the cookies tough.
How can I make these cookies more visually appealing?
To enhance the presentation, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or adding colorful edible flowers on top. Dusting them with lavender-infused powdered sugar right before serving also adds a beautiful touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).