As I stood in my kitchen, the sunlight filtering through the window, I found myself swept away by the enchanting aroma of dried culinary lavender. It’s amazing how a simple ingredient can transport you to a sun-kissed garden, filled with blooming flowers and citrus trees. These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies beautifully combine the zesty brightness of lemon with the delicate floral notes of lavender, creating a treat that’s simply irresistible. Not only are they a unique twist on traditional dessert recipes, but they also come together quickly, perfect for any impromptu gathering or cozy afternoon snack. With a buttery texture that melts in your mouth and a creamy filling that elevates each bite, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Are you ready to bring a little garden magic to your baking?
Why are Lemon Lavender Cookies so Special?
Unique Flavor Combination: These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies fuse zesty lemon with delicate floral lavender, creating an unforgettable taste experience that delights the senses.
Quick to Prepare: You can whip up these cookies in no time, making them a perfect choice for an unexpected guest or a cozy tea party.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a sweet snack or impress your loved ones at gatherings. Pair them with a lovely tea or coffee for an elevated experience.
Buttery Texture: With a melt-in-your-mouth consistency, these cookies boast a tender crumb that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Gourmet Flair: Impress your friends with this elegant dessert that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make—just like my Vegan Lemon Cookies.
Beautiful Presentation: Their eye-catching appearance makes them an attractive addition to any dessert table, radiating charm and sophistication.
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
• The perfect harmony of flavors awaits you with these delightful cookies!
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and a tender crumb; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough while helping it become airy when creamed with butter.
- Dried Culinary Lavender – Infuses a lovely floral fragrance; avoid fresh lavender due to its moisture.
- Lemon Zest – Offers bright citrus notes that wonderfully pair with lavender; fresh lemons are a must for the best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavors and enhances sweetness beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of every cookie; accurate measuring is vital to prevent excessive density.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness while enhancing overall flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds tanginess and moisture, making the dough delightful.
- Purple Food Coloring (optional) – Gives a whimsical hue for that special touch without affecting taste.
For the Cream Filling
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the filling when combined with cream.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a smooth, spreadable texture; adjust to your liking for creaminess.
- Additional Lemon Zest (for filling) – Boosts the citrus flavor, enhancing your cookie experience.
- Lavender Extract (for filling) – Deepens the floral notes, making the filling even more luxurious.
Explore the delightful world of Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies—a treat that’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a visual delight!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your cookies. This preparation will keep your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies from sticking during baking, giving them the perfect shape.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Next, blend in 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and fragrant. The floral aroma will add an enchanting essence to your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies, creating a delightful experience for your senses.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to denser cookies. The dough should come together beautifully, ready to take on the next steps.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Coloring
Now, gently mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and, if desired, a few drops of purple food coloring for an extra whimsical touch. Continue mixing until the dough is uniformly colored and smooth. This mixture will enhance the zesty flavor while giving your cookies a stunning appearance.
Step 6: Chill Dough
Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out later and ensuring your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 7: Roll Out Dough
Once chilled, unwrap the dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll each disk to 1/4-inch thickness, then use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them. They will expand slightly while baking, so give them room to breathe.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as every oven varies; you want them lightly browned for the perfect texture. Once baked, cool the cookies on wire racks to prevent sogginess.
Step 9: Prepare Filling
While the cookies cool, make the filling by beating together 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, the zest of one lemon, and 1 teaspoon of lavender extract until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick enough to spread but still soft enough to pipe, adding the final indulgent layer to your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies.
Step 10: Assemble Cookies
To assemble, spread or pipe the luscious filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to create a delightful sandwich. Repeat this process until all cookies are filled, transforming each pair into a charming treat ready to be enjoyed.
Step 11: Store Your Cookies
Place your completed Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can keep them at room temperature for a week, in the refrigerator for two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. This way, you can indulge in their delightful flavors at any time!
What to Serve with Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies?
Take your cookie experience to the next level by pairing these delightful treats with complementary flavors and textures that enhance their floral essence.
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Chamomile Tea: The delicate floral notes of chamomile harmonize beautifully with the cookies, creating a soothing experience perfect for afternoon relaxation.
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Lemonade Spritzer: A zesty, refreshing lemonade, slightly sparkling, echoes the lemon in the cookies and offers a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
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Honey Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with honey and fresh berries adds a delightful tartness and complements the cookie’s sweetness, creating a well-rounded dessert.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a dollop of light cream cheese frosting atop each cookie sandwich for a rich, tangy contrast that perfectly enhances the cookie’s floral notes.
Enjoy these refreshing pairings that turn your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies into the centerpiece of a joyful gathering, celebrating both flavor and togetherness!
Expert Tips for Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
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Use Dried Lavender: Ensure you opt for dried culinary lavender over fresh; the latter can introduce unwanted moisture and throw off your cookie’s texture.
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Measure Flour Correctly: To prevent dense cookies, utilize the scoop and level method when measuring your all-purpose flour. This ensures a lighter, airier result.
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Chill Dough Thoroughly: If your dough feels sticky or hard to handle, chilling it longer will help firm it up for easier rolling, producing perfectly shaped Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies.
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Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake; ovens can vary. You’re aiming for a light golden edge to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Customize Your Filling: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest and lavender extract in the filling to match your taste; the perfect balance can elevate your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies even further!
Variations & Substitutions for Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Feel free to customize these delightful cookies with your own twist to make them your own!
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Citrus Swap: Replace lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a vibrant citrus variation. A zesty layer of orange or lime can enhance the bright flavors uniquely!
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Herbal Infusion: Substitute dried culinary lavender with rosemary or mint for a refreshing herbal touch. Both herbs provide their distinct fragrance and taste, elevating the cookie experience.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends. The flavors won’t suffer, and the cookies remain just as delightful!
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Vegan Delight: For a plant-based treat, swap butter for coconut oil and use a vegan cream in the filling. You’ll enjoy a light cookie fit for everyone—like my Soft Batch Cookies.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top of the assembled cookies for a luscious chocolate twist. Chocolate pairs beautifully with floral flavors, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
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Add Spice: Enhance the flavor by incorporating spices like cardamom or ginger into the dough for a warm, aromatic touch. Just a pinch can make a big difference!
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Colorful Variation: Change the color scheme by using a mix of natural food dyes or omitting the food coloring altogether. Skip on the swelling of hues and let the cookie’s flavors shine on their own!
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Nutty Taste: Fold in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch. This adds not only texture but a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the lemon and lavender, similar to my Shortbread Cookies Melt.
How to Store and Freeze Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: You can freeze these delightful Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies for up to three months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they soften; be careful not to overheat!
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Additionally, the creamy filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just roll out the chilled dough, cut out shapes, and proceed with baking. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies just as delicious as if made from scratch, while saving you time on busy weekdays!
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of lavender should I use for the Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies?
Absolutely! You should use dried culinary lavender. Fresh lavender contains moisture that can alter the texture of your cookies, leading to undesired results. Dried lavender not only imparts a lovely floral aroma but also blends seamlessly into the dough.
How should I store my Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies?
I recommend keeping your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying—they’re best that way!
Can I freeze Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies? How?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature, or microwave them briefly for a warm treat!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky, no worries! A little extra flour on your work surface can help, or you can return the dough to the fridge for a while to firm it up. Aim for a consistency that’s easy to roll out; this will ensure your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies hold their shape beautifully.
Can I customize the filling for dietary restrictions?
Very! You can easily accommodate different dietary needs by swapping heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Also, if someone has a sugar restriction, consider using a sugar substitute in the filling. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies!
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies: A Refreshing Floral Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and optional purple food coloring until smooth.
- Divide the dough into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden; cool on wire racks.
- Prepare the filling by beating together confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lavender extract.
- Spread or pipe the filling onto one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
- Store in an airtight container; they'll stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature.
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