There’s a certain magic that happens when the scent of fresh lemons and delicate lavender fills the air. Imagine biting into a buttery shortbread cookie that melts in your mouth while the floral notes dance on your palate. Now that’s a treat worthy of any celebration, especially Mother’s Day! Whether you’re planning to surprise Mom with breakfast in bed or simply want to bring a smile to her face over tea, this Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread is your ticket to culinary bliss.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?
- How long do these shortbreads last?
- Can I freeze the dough?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made these delightful cookies. It was a chaotic kitchen adventure filled with flour clouds and laughter as my kids tried out their baking skills. The joy on their faces when they presented their creation was priceless—Mom’s delighted reaction was just the cherry on top of a sweet day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and requires minimal ingredients.
- The bright lemon flavor combined with floral lavender creates an irresistible cookie experience.
- Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day.
- Enjoy them fresh or store them for later; they stay wonderfully tasty!
Baking these cookies is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen. Just thinking about those golden-brown edges and soft centers makes me smile!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for rich flavor; let it soften beforehand for easier mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely crumbly texture.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Use organic lemons if possible; zesting brings out vibrant flavors that elevate the cookie.
- Dried Culinary Lavender: Make sure it’s food-grade; this adds a uniquely fragrant floral note to your cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it for fluffier cookies and better mixing.
- Baking Powder: Just a teaspoon helps achieve that perfectly tender texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors—never skip it!
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed works best; this adds acidity and extra lemony goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather all your ingredients—it’s like setting the stage for a delicious performance.
Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it.
Add Zesty Goodness: Stir in the fresh lemon zest and dried lavender; the aroma will transport you straight to springtime bliss.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixture—do this gently so you don’t create a flour explosion (trust me).
Create Cookie Dough Balls: Once mixed thoroughly, scoop out portions of dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Roll them into balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell divine during this time!
Cool and Serve!: Let them cool on wire racks before indulging in these heavenly bites—or gift them to Mom wrapped in pretty paper because she deserves it!
As you prepare these wonderful treats for Mother’s Day—or any day really—keep in mind how much love goes into each step. They’re more than just cookies; they’re tiny morsels of happiness meant to be shared!
You Must Know
- For a more intense flavor, use fresh lavender instead of dried.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance texture.
- Dust with powdered sugar after baking for an elegant finish.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients, then cream butter and sugar before gradually adding flour. This sequence ensures everything blends smoothly, preventing clumps and ensuring even baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lavender for lemon zest or use different herbs like rosemary. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful surprises that make your cookies uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. If reheating, pop them in a low oven for just a few minutes to revive their texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality butter for richer flavor; it makes all the difference in baked goods.
- When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to cool completely.
Baking these Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread brings back memories of my late grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and love as we baked together during holidays.
FAQ
Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less since dried lavender is more concentrated in flavor.
How long do these shortbreads last?
Stored properly, they can last up to two weeks at room temperature.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Mother’s Day Lemon Lavender Shortbread cookies are a delightful blend of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender. These buttery treats will melt in your mouth, making them perfect for celebrating Mom.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the lemon zest and dried lavender until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture; mix gently until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, use fresh lavender instead of dried.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance texture.
- Dust with powdered sugar after baking for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 108
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
