Lemon Lavender Cookies

Name: Lemon Lavender Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon dried lavender; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

by Peter Harper

Published on: November 27, 2025

Delicious lemon lavender cookies decorated with lemon zest and lavender sprigs

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Lemon Lavender Cookies bring a delightful twist to your cookie jar. With their lovely golden hue and delicate floral aroma, they are not just a treat for the palate but also for the senses. Each bite of these buttery cookies reveals a burst of zesty lemon complemented by the subtle floral notes of lavender, creating an irresistible flavor combination. This recipe is special for its simplicity, leveraging seasonal ingredients that highlight natural flavors while being incredibly easy to whip up anytime you crave a sweet, refreshing snack.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Lavender Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a spring garden party, celebrating a holiday, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home. Their vibrant flavor pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, making them an ideal treat for afternoon gatherings. The convenience of this recipe, combined with its unique taste profile and versatility, ensures that these cookies can be enjoyed year-round. Plus, the combination of cooling lavender and bright lemon provides a comforting yet refreshing bite.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

The star of our Lemon Lavender Cookies is fresh, fragrant lemon zest paired with dried lavender. The bright yellow of the lemon adds a cheerful pop of color, while the lavender, with its gentle purple hue, evokes a sense of tranquility. The aroma of lemon zest tantalizes your senses, awakening your taste buds with its citrusy brightness, while the lavender brings a soothing floral scent that fills the kitchen as the cookies bake. Using seasonal produce not only enhances the cookies’ flavor but also supports sustainable practices by choosing locally sourced ingredients.

What You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened — Provides the rich, creamy base for your cookies.
1 cup powdered sugar — Adds sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour — Creates the structure.
1 tablespoon lemon zest — Offers bright, zesty flavor.
1 tablespoon dried lavender — Infuses a subtle floral note.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract — Enhances the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt — Balances sweetness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice — Adds extra zing and moisture.

For alternative textures or flavors, you can swap all-purpose flour for almond flour for a nutty flavor or use coconut sugar instead of powdered sugar for a healthier option.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.

2. Prepare the Base

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is pale yellow and airy.

3. Mix the Ingredients

Next, mix in the lemon zest, dried lavender, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice until well combined. The aroma will be refreshing, with a lovely blend of lemon and lavender filling the air.

4. Add Flour

Gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky, creating a smooth, cohesive ball of dough.

5. Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand, making sure they have a little room to spread during baking.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will be filled with an enticing fragrance as they bake.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set perfectly.

Essential Tools

Mixing bowls — Use a large bowl for mixing.
Electric mixer — Speeds up the creaming process.
Baking sheets — Ensure even spacing for perfectly baked cookies.
Parchment paper or silicone mats — Prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

To enjoy these delightful cookies later, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Perfect Pairings

Pair your Lemon Lavender Cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a fragrant herbal tea, amplifying the floral notes of the cookies. For a more decadent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the cold ice cream with the warm cookie enhances the experience, while visually, the light colors complement each other beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry: If your dough is too crumbly, add a splash of milk until it becomes pliable.

Unevenly Shaped Balls: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure out each ball.

Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be just lightly golden at the edges to remain soft inside.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Chill the Dough: For an even better texture, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and makes for thicker cookies.
Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cardamom or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for enhanced flavor.
Garnish: Once cooled, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a touch of sweetness and added visual interest.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Lemon Rosemary Cookies: Substitute lavender with finely chopped fresh rosemary for a different herbal profile.
Chocolate Lavender Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the base for a chocolatey twist, pairing beautifully with the lavender.
Citrus Medley: Incorporate orange or lime zest for a variety of citrus flavors in each batch.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

For gluten-free cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. To make them dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of unsalted butter. Always check for any allergies when using lavender, as some individuals may be sensitive to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, but use about half the amount, as fresh herbs have a stronger flavor.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. They will firm up as they cool.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

4. How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.

5. Is there a substitute for powdered sugar?
You can use coconut sugar blended until fine for a healthier option, though it may slightly change the texture.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

These Lemon Lavender Cookies are not only a delight to bake; they are also sure to impress anyone who tries them! We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your results with us. Feel free to tag us on social media or leave a comment below with your thoughts. For more delightful cookie recipes, check out our dessert category page!