Melt-in-Your-Mouth Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These Lavender Shortbread Cookies are one of those recipes that always surprise people in the best way. They’re tender, buttery, and lightly sweet with a beautiful hint of floral from dried culinary lavender. I’ve made these many times for brunches, baby showers, and even tucked them into lunchboxes as a sweet little surprise. They’re just the right amount of unique and cozy, and the best part? They come together so easily with just a few pantry staples and a touch of lavender magic.

This is one of those treats that feels both rustic and elegant perfect with tea, lemonade, or just because. If you’ve never baked with lavender before, this is the perfect recipe to start with!

Why You’ll Love These Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a subtly floral aroma that’s soothing and delightful. They’re not overly sweet, making them ideal for adults and kids alike, and they’re a beautiful, elegant option for everything from baby showers to afternoon tea. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with no fancy techniques just pure homemade charm.

Simple Ingredients

A few pantry staples and one floral surprise bring these cookies to life!

• Unsalted Butter: The key to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use good-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the cookies ultra-tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies structure without making them too dense.
• Dried Culinary Lavender: Provides a light, fragrant floral note that makes these cookies extra special.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the floral tones with warmth and sweetness.

Recipe Details

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Lavender Shortbread Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour, dried lavender, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten each slightly with your hands. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Top Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stop mixing as soon as everything comes together for the most tender cookies.
• Use Culinary Lavender Only: Make sure your lavender is labeled “culinary” to ensure it’s safe and tasty for eating.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For cleaner edges, chill the dough for 20 minutes before shaping.
• Kid-Friendly Tip: Let kids help roll the dough balls it’s a fun and safe task they’ll enjoy!
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest if you’d like a brighter, citrusy twist.

Recipe Variations

• Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter bite.
• Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor base.
• Shape and cut the cookies with cookie cutters for festive occasions.

Recommended Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping and baking.

How to Store and Reheat

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh them, warm briefly in a 275°F oven for 3–4 minutes. Freezable for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
• Lemonade or lavender lemonade
• A fruit and cheese board for a more elegant snack pairing

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Lavender has been used in culinary traditions for centuries, especially in French baking and teas. Its floral aroma can be polarizing, but in the right amount like in these shortbread cookies it’s soft, calming, and delicious. Shortbread, originally from Scotland, is known for its rich buttery texture and simplicity, making it the perfect canvas for flavor infusions like lavender.

More Cookie Recipes

• Cookies to Celebrate in Sweet Style

Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Michelle

These buttery shortbread cookies are delicately infused with dried lavender for a soft, floral twist. Perfect for teatime or gifting!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 24 Cookies

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (lined with parchment or greased)
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
• Add Dry Ingredients and Vanilla: Add the flour, dried lavender, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms.
• Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and flatten each slightly with your hands. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

• Be sure to use dried culinary lavender, not decorative or craft lavender.
• If your lavender buds are large, you can lightly crush them using a mortar and pestle before adding to the dough.

Keyword Lavender Shortbread Cookies