Lemon Lavender Cookies: A Delicate, Floral Treat

Name: Lemon Lavender Cookies: A Delicate, Floral Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 2 tbsp (10g) cornstarch; ½ tsp baking powder; 2 sticks (225g) salted butter, cool room temperature; ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar; 2 tbsp lemon zest (from ~3 lemons); 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds; 1 large egg, cool room temperature; 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; ½ tsp lavender extract (optional); 3-4 drops purple food coloring; Lavender buds and lemon zest, for garnish

July 12, 2025

- by Jenna

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and lavender—bright citrus meets soothing floral notes in these delicate, buttery cookies. Perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or just a sweet moment to yourself, these lemon lavender cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s bake a batch together!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe

A Burst of Fresh Citrus and Floral Elegance:

These cookies balance the zesty brightness of lemon with the subtle, aromatic charm of lavender, creating a sophisticated flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Soft, Buttery Texture with a Hint of Crunch:

Thanks to the perfect blend of cornstarch and baking powder, these cookies bake up tender with just the right amount of crispness at the edges.

Beautiful Enough for Special Occasions:

Drizzled with a pastel-purple glaze and garnished with lavender buds, these cookies look as lovely as they taste—ideal for gifting or serving at gatherings.

Ingredients for Lemon Lavender Cookies

All-purpose flour:

The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.

Cornstarch:

Softens the texture, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Baking powder:

Adds a slight lift for a perfectly balanced cookie.

Salted butter:

Gives richness and depth of flavor; the salt enhances the sweetness.

Granulated sugar:

Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.

Lemon zest:

Packs a punch of citrusy brightness without adding extra liquid.

Dried culinary lavender buds:

Infuses the cookies with a delicate floral aroma and flavor.

Egg:

Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.

Powdered sugar:

Creates a smooth, glossy glaze for drizzling.

Fresh lemon juice:

Thins the glaze and adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

Lavender extract (optional):

Amplifies the floral notes in the glaze.

Purple food coloring:

Gives the glaze a lovely pastel hue for an elegant finish.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with quantities is provided in the recipe card just below.)

Variations

Gluten-free version:

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.

Vegan adaptation:

Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a dairy-free and egg-free treat.

Lemon-blueberry twist:

Fold in 1/2 cup of dried blueberries for a fruity contrast to the floral lavender.

How to Prepare Lemon Lavender Cookies

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2:

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a small bowl to ensure even distribution.

Step 3:

Cream the butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lavender in a stand mixer until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4:

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5:

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

Step 6:

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Step 7:

Gently flatten each ball to about 1/3-inch thickness for even baking.

Step 8:

Bake one sheet at a time for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Step 9:

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10:

Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lavender extract (if using) for the glaze. Add food coloring for a soft purple hue.

Step 11:

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and garnish with extra lavender buds or lemon zest. Let set for 30 minutes before serving.

I’ve picked out a few handy kitchen tools for you that I spotted on Amazon. They’re practical, well-rated, and loved by fellow cooking enthusiasts.
Take a look, compare, and see if one of them could make your time in the kitchen a little easier!

Premium Classic Zester

Effortlessly creates fine lemon zest without the bitter pith.

Buy on Amazon

Cookie Scoops for Baking Set of 3

Ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.

Buy on Amazon

Natural Dried Lavender Flowers

High-quality, food-grade lavender for the best flavor.

Buy on Amazon

Tips and Tricks

Use fresh, high-quality lavender:

Culinary-grade lavender ensures the best flavor. Avoid ornamental varieties, which can taste soapy.

Don’t overmix the dough:

Mix just until the flour disappears to keep the cookies tender.

Chill the dough if it’s too soft:

If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before scooping.

How to Serve

With a cup of herbal tea:

Pair these cookies with chamomile or Earl Grey for a soothing afternoon treat.

As part of a dessert platter:

Arrange them alongside macarons and shortbread for an elegant tea party spread.

Gifted in a pretty tin:

Layer the cookies with parchment paper in a decorative box for a heartfelt homemade gift.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Freeze unbaked dough for later:

Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Store glazed cookies properly:

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, separating layers with wax paper.

Refresh stale cookies:

Warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to revive their texture.

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but use half the amount (1 tbsp), as fresh lavender is more potent.

2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Your butter may have been too warm. Ensure it’s cool room temperature (about 65°F/18°C).

3. Can I omit the food coloring?

Absolutely! The glaze will be white or pale yellow, depending on the lemon juice.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these lemon lavender cookies are sure to delight. Happy baking!