Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies (Printable View)

Buttery cookies infused with lavender and lemon, finished with sweet citrus icing for a refreshing treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2/3 cup powdered sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
04 - 1 teaspoon culinary dried lavender, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

→ Lemon Icing

07 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
08 - 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender buds for garnish (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until mixture becomes light and fluffy.
02 - Mix in lemon zest, chopped dried lavender, and salt until thoroughly combined throughout the butter mixture.
03 - Gradually add flour while mixing just until dough forms and no dry flour streaks remain visible.
04 - Divide dough in half and shape each portion into 2-inch diameter logs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Slice chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange on prepared baking sheets with slight spacing between cookies.
07 - Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until edges turn lightly golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
08 - Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy. Adjust consistency with additional lemon juice if needed.
09 - Drizzle or spread lemon icing over completely cooled cookies. Garnish with lavender buds if desired and allow icing to set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way lavender and lemon dance together feels like sunshine and gardens all at once
  • These cookies melt in your mouth with that classic shortbread tenderness but with an elegant twist
02 -
  • Overbaking by even two minutes will make these lose their delicate texture so watch them like a hawk
  • The chilling step is non-negotiable without it the cookies spread into thin, sad puddles
03 -
  • Use culinary lavender specifically, as ornamental lavender can have a soapy or bitter taste that ruins everything
  • A microplane grater is worth the investment for getting perfect lemon zest without any bitter white pith sneaking in

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