Zesty Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1.5 hours
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the cookies on their own, or pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g