Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with Lavender and Honey

Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with Lavender and Honey

Shortbread cookies with lavender and honey are the perfect balance of delicate floral flavor and sweet honeyed goodness. The buttery texture of shortbread combined with the refreshing, aromatic lavender and the natural sweetness of honey makes these cookies a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served with tea, given as a gift, or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, these cookies will leave a lasting impression with their unique and fragrant flavors.

In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps of making these lovely shortbread cookies that combine lavender and honey for a delicate yet delicious dessert.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds (culinary grade)

For the Honey Drizzle (optional):

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon warm water (to thin the honey)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This will be the dry base for your shortbread cookies.

2. Add Butter and Honey
   In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the honey and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add Lavender
   Stir in the dried lavender buds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The lavender adds a fragrant floral note to the cookies.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until the dough comes together. You can use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or simply mix with a wooden spoon.

5. Chill the Dough
   Once the dough has come together, divide it in half, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Roll Out the Dough
   Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Traditional round shortbread shapes work best, but you can also use heart-shaped or floral cutters for an elegant touch.

3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
   Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

4. Bake the Cookies
   Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as shortbread can bake quickly and you want them to have a light golden color, not too dark.

Step 3: Add the Honey Drizzle (Optional)

1. Prepare the Honey Drizzle
   In a small bowl, mix together the honey and warm water until smooth. This drizzle will give the cookies a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness.

2. Drizzle on the Cookies
   Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the honey mixture over the top. If you want to add a decorative touch, you can sprinkle a bit of dried lavender on top of the honey for an extra burst of flavor and elegance.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Cookies
   Let the honey drizzle set for a few minutes before serving the cookies. These cookies are perfect for tea time, a light dessert, or as a gift for friends and family.

2. Store Leftovers
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, they can also be frozen for up to a month.

Tips and Variations

1. Adjust the Lavender Flavor
   If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, feel free to increase the amount of lavender used. Just be careful not to overpower the cookies, as a little goes a long way.

2. Add Other Flavorings
   Experiment with adding other flavorings to your shortbread dough, such as lemon zest, orange zest, or vanilla extract. These flavors pair wonderfully with lavender and honey.

3. Make it Vegan
   For a vegan version of these cookies, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of the honey.

4. Add Nuts
   For a little crunch, you can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, into the dough. These will add a nutty flavor that complements the honey and lavender perfectly.

Health Benefits

1. Lavender
   Lavender is known for its calming properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. It is also rich in antioxidants, which promote skin health and overall wellness.

2. Honey
   Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It can help soothe sore throats, improve digestion, and boost overall energy.

3. Butter
   While butter should be consumed in moderation, it provides essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and brain function.

Storage

Store the shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just allow the cookies to cool completely before wrapping them for freezing.

Conclusion

Shortbread cookies with lavender and honey are a beautifully fragrant and delicate treat that combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the aromatic essence of lavender and the natural sweetness of honey. These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether served with a cup of tea, as part of a dessert spread, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With their simple ingredients and elegant flavors, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try them today and enjoy a little taste of floral bliss!