Zesty Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Introduction:
These Zesty Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies offer a wonderful balance of tart lemon and subtle lavender, making them a lovely choice for afternoon tea, special occasions, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The buttery shortbread base is crisp, tender, and melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bright and refreshing flavors: The combination of lemon zest and lavender creates a delicate and refreshing taste.
• Simple ingredients: With basic pantry staples and a touch of lavender, you can easily whip up these cookies.
• Perfect for gifting: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift or an elegant addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the lemon zest, dried lavender, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together.
2. Shape and Chill the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll and Cut the Cookies:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
   • Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes (round or square are classic for shortbread). Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet.
   • Sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar on top of each cookie for a touch of sparkle and sweetness.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread should remain light in color.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve:
   • Enjoy the cookies on their own, or pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Tips for Success:

• Culinary lavender: Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender to ensure the flavor is delicate and not overpowering.
• Chilling the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a tender, crumbly texture.

Recipe Variations:

• Lemon glaze: Drizzle the cookies with a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice for extra citrus flavor.
• Herb variations: Try adding a small amount of thyme or rosemary for a different herbal twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these cookies as part of an afternoon tea spread, or package them in a decorative tin as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pair with iced or hot lavender or Earl Grey tea for a matching flavor combination.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

Special Equipment:

• Rolling pin for shaping the dough.
• Cookie cutters for cutting out shapes.

FAQ:

• Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
  Yes, you can use fresh lavender, but reduce the amount by half, as fresh herbs are more potent.
• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
  Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes for preparing the dough.

Chill Time:

• 30-60 minutes for chilling the dough.

Cook Time:

• 12-15 minutes for baking.

Total Time:

• 1.5 hours (including chilling, prep, and baking time).

Nutrition Information (per cookie, assuming 20 cookies):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 35mg
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

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Closing Notes:
These Zesty Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a refreshing and elegant treat that’s sure to impress. Their delicate flavor and lovely appearance make them perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.