Experience a delightful tea time with crisp lavender shortbread cookies bursting with floral and citrus notes. Use premium dried lavender, butter, and a hint of lemon zest for that perfect aromatic touch.

Chill your dough before baking for a tender bite, and consider a citrus glaze for extra flair. A white platter with a sprinkle of fresh lavender completes your presentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Use culinary-grade dried lavender and lemon zest to enhance the fragrant flavour of the shortbread.
  • Integrate cold, high-butter content for a crumbly, sandy texture ideal for a crisp bite.
  • Preheat oven to 175°C and bake shortbread for 10-15 minutes until golden.
  • Serve with black or Earl Grey tea to complement the floral and citrus notes.
  • Store in airtight containers or freeze for freshness and longer shelf life.

Ingredients and Variants

When creating lavender shortbread, start with the right ingredients and explore variations. Dried lavender provides floral notes, while fresh lavender offers a different flavour profile. Use butter, preferably salted, and granulated sugar for sweetness. Vanilla extract enhances flavour. All-purpose flour gives structure, while cake flour creates a tender texture.

Add lemon zest for citrus notes. Confectioners’ sugar works well for glazes, and sea salt enhances overall taste. Top cookies with granulated sugar or a lavender glaze for finishing. Using only culinary-grade dried lavender ensures food safety and the best flavour quality.

Preparation and Equipment

To craft lavender shortbread, prepare your ingredients and equipment. Grind lavender flowers with sugar in a coffee grinder or mortar to release their essence. In your stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until combined, adding lavender powder if desired. Grate lemon zest over sugar and rub it in to amplify the aroma.

Beat until light and fluffy. Have your equipment ready: stand mixer, coffee grinder, measuring cups (in millilitres), and a rubber spatula for scraping. Refrigerate dough until firm for about 1 hour before baking. Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and prepare to shape your cookies.

Texture and Dough Consistency

While making lavender shortbread, the right texture and dough consistency matter for a crumbly finish. Start with high butter content. Using cold butter creates a short, sandy texture, while creamed butter with sugar adds lightness.

Incorporate ground lavender and lemon zest to distribute flavour evenly. Mix flour gently. The dough should feel sandy and resemble coarse sand; if sticky, add a bit more flour. Chill the dough to firm the fats and enhance crispness. Handle the dough carefully to maintain a tender bite.

Baking Process and Times

Once your dough consistency is right, you’re ready to bake. Preheat your oven to 175°C to 200°C. Roll the dough thinly for a crispier texture. Shape into balls, rounds, or use cookie cutters.

Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden and firm. Transfer to a cooling rack to maintain crispness. Careful attention to baking time and temperature ensures perfect shortbread every time.

Serving, Storage, and Pairing

Serve lavender shortbread on a white platter, garnished with fresh lavender flowers. Pair with black tea or Earl Grey to complement the floral notes. These treats suit bridal showers, Mother’s Day, and afternoon tea.

Store shortbread in airtight containers to maintain crispness for up to 7 days. Freeze dough or baked shortbread for longer storage.

  • Presentation: Use decorative stands.
  • Storage: Airtight containers prevent moisture.
  • Tea Pairing: Perfect with black and herbal teas.
  • Occasions: Ideal for showers and special gatherings.
  • Freezing: Both dough and baked shortbread freeze well.

Conclusion

You’ve perfected the art of making lavender shortbread, a fragrant treat ideal for tea time. With a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ve created a crisp, buttery biscuit that’s sure to impress.

Enjoy your creation with a hot cup of tea to complement the floral notes. For the best lavender products, visit our Shop and elevate your baking even further!