Description
Delight in these delicate Lavender Shortbread Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery, crumbly texture infused with the subtle floral notes of dried culinary lavender. Ideal for tea time or as a gentle sweet treat, these cookies boast a tender melt-in-your-mouth quality with a hint of vanilla and a crisp golden edge.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. This aerates the dough, contributing to a tender texture.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the vanilla extract and dried culinary lavender into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well to evenly distribute the aromatic lavender throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to form a smooth dough without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies retain their shape while baking.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps them firm up perfectly and enhances their delicate texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better dough consistency.
- Dried culinary lavender must be food-grade and finely crushed for best flavor integration.
- Do not overbake to maintain the tender, crumbly texture of the shortbread.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
