Soft, buttery cookies infused with bright lemon zest and delicate floral lavender, these Lemon Lavender Cookies are the perfect balance of citrus and aromatic flavors. Topped with a smooth lavender glaze, they make an elegant and delightful treat for special occasions like Mother’s Day or afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant and Unique Flavor – The combination of lemon and lavender creates a sophisticated and refreshing taste.
Soft and Buttery Texture – These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a stress-free baking project.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Their beautiful appearance and delicate flavor make them ideal for Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or spring gatherings.
Customizable – The lavender glaze can be adjusted for a more subtle or intense floral taste based on your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 egg
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp dried culinary lavender, crushed
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

For the Lavender Glaze:

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp dried culinary lavender, crushed
A drop of purple food coloring (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed lavender. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape & Bake: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, crushed lavender, and food coloring (if using) until smooth.
Decorate & Serve: Once the cookies have cooled, spread the glaze over the tops. Optionally, sprinkle with extra lavender or lemon zest for decoration. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 180 kcal per serving

Variations

Lavender-Free Version: If you prefer a more citrus-forward cookie, omit the lavender and increase the lemon zest slightly.
Herbal Infusion: Try adding a touch of rosemary or thyme for an interesting herbal twist.
Honey Glaze: Swap the milk in the glaze for honey to create a richer, more complex sweetness.
Almond Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the nutty undertones of the cookies.
Coconut Addition: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the glaze for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer glaze, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze.
Reheating: While these cookies don’t need reheating, you can warm them for a few seconds in the microwave for a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but use a smaller amount since fresh lavender has a stronger flavor. Finely chop it before adding to the dough.

What type of lavender should I use for baking?

Always use culinary lavender, as some lavender varieties can be too strong or bitter for baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bake when ready.

Why are my cookies too hard?

Overbaking can cause them to become hard. Remove them when the edges are just turning golden to keep them soft.

Can I make the glaze thicker?

Yes, simply add more powdered sugar until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

Do these cookies pair well with tea?

Absolutely! They complement earl grey, chamomile, or lavender tea beautifully.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.

What if I don’t have purple food coloring?

It’s optional, but you can achieve a natural purple hue by steeping lavender in warm milk before making the glaze.

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

Yes, but reduce the amount to ½ teaspoon, as lemon extract is more concentrated.

How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?

Use less milk or let the glaze sit for a few minutes to thicken before spreading it on the cookies.

Conclusion

Lemon Lavender Cookies are an elegant and delicious treat, perfect for any special occasion. Their buttery texture, bright citrus notes, and subtle floral undertones create a delightful balance of flavors. Whether served at a brunch, afternoon tea, or as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh, and don’t forget to pair them with your favorite tea!

Lemon Lavender Cookies