Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the bright flavor of lemon with the fragrant essence of lavender. These charming cookies are perfect for tea parties, special occasions, or simply to enjoy at home. The unique blend of flavors and beautiful presentation make them a standout dessert that will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of lemon and lavender creates a refreshing taste that’s both sweet and aromatic.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, these cookies fit right in.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without stress.
• Customizable Presentation: Add colorful touches with food coloring or garnish with lemon slices for an elegant display.
• Delightful Texture: The soft cookie paired with creamy lavender buttercream offers a satisfying bite every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to streamline the baking process. Having everything ready will make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light texture for your cookies.
• Cookie cutters: Provides uniform shapes for even baking and attractive presentation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, ensuring your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Lavender Buttercream

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, finely ground
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few drops of purple food coloring (optional)

For Garnishing

• Thin lemon slices
• Fresh lavender sprigs

How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Making the Cookies

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Preparing the Lavender Buttercream

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until fully incorporated.
3. Infuse with Lavender: Mix in the ground culinary lavender, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of purple food coloring for a lovely lavender hue.
4. Beat Until Fluffy: Continue to beat the mixture until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the Cookies

1. Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous layer of lavender buttercream onto the flat side of half the cookies.
2. Create the Sandwiches: Place another cookie on top, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
3. Add Lavender Buttercream on Top: Pipe a small swirl of lavender buttercream on each assembled sandwich cookie for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.
4. Garnish: Decorate each cookie with a thin lemon slice and a fresh lavender sprig for an elegant touch.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies as they bring sunshine into any day!

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Serving Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies can be a delightful experience. These cookies not only taste amazing but also look elegant, making them perfect for various occasions.

For Afternoon Tea

• Pair these cookies with a selection of herbal teas like chamomile or mint for a refreshing afternoon treat.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags tied with lavender ribbons for charming party favors that your guests will love.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside a bowl of mixed fresh berries for a beautiful and colorful dessert presentation.

At Brunch

• Include these cookies as part of a brunch spread, offering a sweet contrast to savory dishes like quiches or salads.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like shortbread or macarons for an elegant dessert display.

How to Perfect Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air better.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Gently mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and fluffy.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking, resulting in more uniform shapes.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; ovens vary, so check for doneness around the 8-minute mark.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider these delicious options when serving them.

1. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that complements the floral notes of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese, which balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that contrasts nicely with the cookie texture.

4. Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the cookies and make for a delightful combination.

5. Lemonade: A glass of chilled lemonade refreshes your palate and echoes the lemon flavor in the cookies.

6. Savory Scones: Offer cheese or herb scones as a contrasting savory option that pairs well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes that affect your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, so use proper measuring tools for flour and sugar to ensure the right texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Skipping the cooling step – Allowing cookies to cool completely is essential for proper assembly with buttercream. Patience pays off!
• Using stale ingredients – Ensure your baking powder and lavender are fresh. Stale ingredients can lead to flat or flavorless cookies.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Always preheat your oven. An unheated oven can cause uneven baking and affect cookie shape.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

• Freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the cookies before adding buttercream.

Reheating Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe:

Can I substitute other flavors instead of lavender?

Yes! You can replace culinary lavender with other flavors like vanilla or lemon zest for different taste profiles.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

To make vegan Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

What is culinary lavender?

Culinary lavender is specifically grown and processed for cooking. It has a more subtle flavor compared to ornamental varieties, making it perfect for recipes like this one.

Can I decorate these cookies differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with different toppings or colors, such as edible glitter or colored icing.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their unique flavor profile makes them perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert parties. Experiment with different fillings or decorations to make them truly your own!