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Delicate Lemon Lavender Tea Cookies

lemon lavender tea cookies - featured image

These delicate lemon lavender tea cookies feature a buttery texture with subtle floral and citrus notes, perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet treat. The recipe is easy to make and yields melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a nostalgic charm.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • Finely grated zest from 2 medium lemons
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup (225 g) softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Gently fold in the finely grated zest from 2 lemons and 1 to 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds, starting with 1 teaspoon and adjusting to taste.
  4. Beat in 1 large room temperature egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  6. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together and looks smooth. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden and centers look set but soft.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial for tender texture and to prevent spreading. Use dried culinary lavender buds to avoid bitterness. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth. Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a pretty finish. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and chill dough longer. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon lavender cookies, tea cookies, buttery cookies, lemon zest cookies, floral cookies, easy cookie recipe, afternoon tea treats