Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies combine two elegant flavors into a delicate, delicious treat. The balance between the bright, zesty lemon in the cookie and the floral, aromatic lavender in the buttercream filling creates a unique and sophisticated flavor profile. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a spring gathering, a tea party, or a sweet dessert to share with friends and family. The soft, buttery cookies paired with the smooth lavender buttercream filling make each bite a moment of bliss. This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also elevate your dessert game with its lovely combination of citrus and floral notes.

The addition of lemon zest in the cookies brightens the flavor, while the lavender buttercream adds a luxurious touch. The contrast in flavors makes these sandwich cookies a memorable treat. Whether you’re looking to impress at a special occasion or just indulge in something light and refreshing, Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are the perfect blend of refreshing lemon and fragrant lavender. The cookies themselves are soft and buttery, with a subtle hint of citrus, while the lavender buttercream filling adds a creamy, aromatic sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cookies. The delicate flavors are balanced perfectly, making these cookies not too sweet but still indulgent. They’re also easy to customize – you can adjust the lavender for a more or less pronounced flavor, or add a few drops of food coloring to make them even more visually appealing. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to stand out.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Lavender Buttercream Filling:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Culinary lavender (finely ground)
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Purple food coloring (optional)

Garnish:

• Thin lemon slices
• Fresh lavender sprigs

Variations

• Flavored Buttercream: Try experimenting with different floral flavors such as rose or chamomile in the buttercream filling for a twist.
• Color Variation: Use natural food coloring or omit the food coloring entirely for a more rustic look.
• Shortbread Cookies: Use shortbread cookies instead of a soft sugar cookie base for a more crumbly texture.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg for a vegan version of these cookies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat again until combined. Stir in the lemon zest. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shape (round or other). Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Lavender Buttercream

While the cookies are cooling, make the lavender buttercream filling. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the finely ground culinary lavender, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated and fluffy. If desired, add a few drops of purple food coloring for a subtle lavender hue.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of lavender buttercream filling on the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently to secure the filling.

Step 6: Garnish

To finish, garnish the cookies with thin lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for an elegant touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Lavender Quality: Be sure to use culinary lavender specifically meant for consumption, as regular lavender may not be safe to eat.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and cut into shapes.
• Cookie Size: Keep the cookies uniform in size so that the sandwiching of the buttercream filling is even and consistent.
• Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for both the cookies and the buttercream to avoid any lumps or uneven mixing.
• Ground Lavender: Make sure to finely grind the lavender before adding it to the buttercream to avoid large, chewy pieces in the filling.

How to Serve

Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, a light dessert after a meal, or even a gift for a friend. Serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or a refreshing lemonade to complement the citrusy and floral notes of the cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can store the cookies and the filling separately and assemble them just before serving to prevent the cookies from becoming too soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (without the buttercream) for up to 1 month. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To use, thaw at room temperature and fill with buttercream when ready to serve.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want to warm them slightly, place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to refresh the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried lavender from my garden?

Only use dried lavender that is specifically labeled for culinary use. Lavender from your garden may have pesticides or other chemicals that are not safe for consumption.

2. Can I skip the food coloring in the buttercream?

Yes, the food coloring is optional. It’s just for visual appeal, but the cookies will taste great without it.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.

4. Can I use store-bought lavender extract instead of ground lavender?

You can use lavender extract, but be sure to use it sparingly since extracts tend to be more concentrated than dried lavender.

5. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. However, this may change the texture of the cookies slightly.

6. How can I make the buttercream less sweet?

To make the buttercream less sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar, but keep in mind that the consistency might change.

7. Can I make these cookies with a different citrus flavor?

Yes, you can substitute lemon zest with orange, lime, or even grapefruit zest for a different citrus twist.

8. How long do the cookies stay fresh?

The cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.

9. Can I make these cookies without the filling?

Yes, you can skip the buttercream filling and serve the cookies as simple, flavored lemon cookies.

10. Can I use a different type of fat in the cookies?

You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine, but it may change the texture and flavor slightly.

Conclusion

Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are a delightful and sophisticated treat, perfect for any occasion. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender creates a harmonious flavor that will surely impress your guests. With a simple yet elegant design and a smooth, creamy buttercream filling, these cookies offer a touch of refinement in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, sharing them with friends, or enjoying them on your own, these cookies will leave a lasting impression.

Print