Lemon Lavender Cookies

Featured in desserts.

Hey friend! You absolutely NEED to try these magical lemon lavender cookies - they're like little bites of heaven! Picture this: soft, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth, infused with bright lemon zest and aromatic lavender that makes your kitchen smell like a French garden. The gorgeous purple glaze isn't just pretty - it adds the perfect sweet finish that complements the floral notes. Trust me, when you bite into one of these beauties, you'll taste the perfect balance of citrus brightness and delicate lavender perfume. Your friends will be begging for the recipe! The best part? They look so elegant and sophisticated, but they're surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to fall in love with this dreamy flavor combination!

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Updated on Sat, 24 May 2025 17:16:52 GMT
Beautiful lemon lavender cookies with purple glaze on wooden board garnished with fresh lavender sprigs pin it
Beautiful lemon lavender cookies with purple glaze on wooden board garnished with fresh lavender sprigs | lonerecipes.com

I remember the first time I tasted a lemon lavender cookie at a charming French bakery - it was love at first bite. The way the bright, zesty lemon played against the subtle, almost perfume-like lavender was pure magic. When I decided to recreate this at home, I spent weeks perfecting the balance. These cookies start with a classic sugar cookie base, but the addition of fresh lemon zest and carefully measured dried lavender transforms them into something extraordinary. The dough comes together easily, and as it bakes, your kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma. The purple glaze isn't just for show - it adds a sweet finish that ties all the flavors together. When you bite into one, you get that tender, buttery cookie texture followed by the bright lemon flavor and the gentle floral notes of lavender. It's like tasting sunshine and flowers in cookie form.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. There's something so sophisticated about the lavender - it makes these cookies feel like a luxury treat, yet they're made with pantry staples. I love how the lemon zest provides that bright, fresh note that keeps the lavender from being too heavy or perfume-like. The visual appeal is incredible too - that gorgeous purple glaze makes them look like they came from a high-end bakery. But beyond the beauty, it's the flavor that keeps me coming back. Each bite is perfectly balanced, never too sweet, with just enough floral essence to make you pause and savor the moment. These cookies have this amazing ability to make any ordinary day feel a little more special, and they never fail to impress guests. Plus, they store beautifully and actually taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies
  • Unsalted butter: Creates rich, tender texture when creamed with sugar
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create light, fluffy texture
  • Fresh lemon zest: Adds bright citrus flavor and aromatic oils
  • Dried culinary lavender: Provides delicate floral notes and signature flavor
  • Powdered sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze for topping
  • Purple food coloring: Gives glaze beautiful lavender color

Let's Make These Together

Cream butter and sugar mixture
Start by creaming the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. This creates the perfect base for tender cookies by incorporating air into the mixture.
Add wet ingredients and aromatics
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the fresh lemon zest and dried lavender. The lemon zest should be finely grated to distribute the citrus oils evenly throughout the dough.
Incorporate flour gradually
Add the flour slowly while mixing on low speed, stopping as soon as the dough comes together. Overmixing will develop the gluten too much and result in tough cookies instead of tender ones.
Chill and shape the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to handle when forming into balls.
Create the purple glaze
While cookies cool completely, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and purple food coloring until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency that will coat the cookies beautifully and set to a lovely finish.
Recipe picture pin it
Artisan lemon lavender sugar cookies topped with violet icing and dried lavender buds food photography | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first discovered this incredible flavor combination during a trip to a local farmers market where I bought fresh lavender and couldn't resist experimenting. After several attempts to get the perfect balance, I realized the key was using just enough lavender to create that lovely floral note without overpowering the bright lemon. Now these cookies have become my signature treat - I always get requests to bring them to gatherings! The purple glaze was actually a happy accident when I added too much food coloring, but it turned out to be the perfect finishing touch that makes these cookies absolutely irresistible.

Perfect Pairings

These delicate cookies pair beautifully with Earl Grey tea or chamomile tea for an afternoon treat. They're also wonderful alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert. For a special occasion, serve them with lavender honey drizzled over vanilla ice cream, or pair with a glass of prosecco for a sophisticated touch. The floral notes also complement fresh fruit salads and lemon curd perfectly.

Overhead shot of glazed lavender cookies with lemon slices and purple flowers on rustic cutting board pin it
Overhead shot of glazed lavender cookies with lemon slices and purple flowers on rustic cutting board | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Fresh lavender can be used but use half the amount as it's more potent. Make sure it's culinary-grade lavender, not decorative varieties which can be bitter.

→ How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Properly stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week. The glaze may soften slightly but the flavor remains delicious.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The cookie dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough overnight before baking.

→ What if I can't find culinary lavender?

You can order culinary lavender online or substitute with a small amount of lavender extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon). Some specialty food stores and farmers markets also carry it.

→ Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own. You could dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in melted white chocolate for a different finish.

Conclusion

These lemon lavender cookies are the perfect marriage of citrus brightness and floral elegance. They're sophisticated enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday indulgence. The beautiful purple glaze makes them as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat. Whether you're hosting a tea party or just want to treat yourself, these cookies will transport you to a sunny lavender field in Provence with every bite.

Lemon Lavender Cookies

Delicate buttery cookies infused with lemon zest and lavender, topped with gorgeous purple glaze and dried lavender buds.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
37 Minutes
By: chris

Category: desserts

Difficulty: easy

Cuisine: French-inspired

Yield: 24 Servings (24 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten

Ingredients

012 cups all-purpose flour
021/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
033/4 cup granulated sugar
041 large egg
052 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
061 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
072 cups powdered sugar
083-4 tablespoons milk
09Purple food coloring
10Extra dried lavender for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg until well combined, then mix in lemon zest and dried lavender.

Step 02

Gradually add flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls and place on lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 04

While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and purple food coloring until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed for easy spreading.

Step 05

Dip tops of cooled cookies into purple glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with dried lavender buds while glaze is wet. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Use culinary-grade dried lavender only - regular lavender can be too strong and bitter
  2. Don't overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent spreading during baking
  3. Chill the dough to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading
  4. Adjust glaze consistency with milk - it should coat the back of a spoon but still drip easily
  5. Store glazed cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling racks

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten from all-purpose flour
  • Contains dairy from butter and milk
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g

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