Lavender Cookies

Lavender Cookies Recipe from France | Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Lavender, Flour

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 6-8 minutes | Servings: 3 dozen

Introduction

Lavender cookies are a delightful treat that combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of sugar and butter. These cookies are perfect for a relaxing afternoon tea or as a light dessert after a meal.

History

Lavender has been used in cooking for centuries, with its calming aroma and unique flavor adding a special touch to dishes. Lavender cookies have become popular in recent years, with many bakers experimenting with different recipes and variations.

Ingredients

2 sticks of unsalted butter or margarine, at room temperature
1 cup of superfine sugar
0.5 tsp of sea salt
2 free-range eggs, well beaten
2 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of lavender buds
2 and a half cups of unbleached all-purpose flour

How to prepare

In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy.
Add the beaten eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
Add in the flour and mix on low speed just until the dough is coming together.
Sprinkle in the lavender buds and fold in gently. (Do not overmix).
Divide the dough into two mounds and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Flour your work surface and unwrap one portion of the dough.
Keep the other portion chilled in the fridge while you work.
Roll out the dough with a floured rolling pin, being careful not to overwork or overstretch it.
Cut out shapes of hearts, full moons, stars, and crescents.
Carefully transfer the cookie shapes to nonstick cookie sheets, placing them 0.5 inch apart.
Fit as many cookies as possible on each sheet.
Bake two sheets at a time until the cookies are golden brown, about 6–8 minutes.
Use a thin spatula to transfer the hot cookies to a rack to cool.
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Variations

Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract for a nutty flavor.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use culinary lavender buds, as they are specifically grown for cooking and baking.

- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.

- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking, as they can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy lavender cookies with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold milk.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy.

- Folding in the lavender buds gently to avoid overmixing.

- Rolling out the dough to an even thickness for consistent baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use unsalted butter instead of margarine.

- Substitute granulated sugar for superfine sugar.

- Use dried lavender flowers if fresh lavender buds are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for lavender cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair lavender cookies with a glass of lavender-infused lemonade for a refreshing and fragrant combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store cooled lavender cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lavender cookies contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lavender cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lavender cookies contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of lavender cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lavender cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Lavender cookies contain dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

Lavender cookies are a sweet treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein and fat.

Summary

Lavender cookies are a delightful and unique treat that combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of sugar and butter. Enjoy these cookies as a light dessert or snack for a relaxing and aromatic experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing through the open windows of my kitchen. I had just finished baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies when I decided to take a break and sit down with a cup of tea.

As I sipped my tea, I heard a knock on the door. It was my dear friend, Margaret, who had come over for a visit. Margaret was an avid gardener and always had a way of brightening up my day with her stories of plants and flowers.

As we sat down at the kitchen table, Margaret reached into her bag and pulled out a small jar of dried lavender flowers. She told me that she had just harvested them from her garden and thought that I might enjoy using them in my baking.

I had never baked with lavender before, but I was intrigued by the idea. Margaret told me that lavender has a delicate and floral flavor that pairs well with butter and sugar. She said that she had a recipe for lavender cookies that she had been wanting to try and thought that I might like to give it a go.

I eagerly accepted the challenge and Margaret handed me a worn piece of paper with the recipe scrawled on it in her elegant handwriting. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my excitement building. This was going to be a new and exciting culinary adventure.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make the lavender cookies. I carefully measured out the flour, sugar, butter, and lavender flowers, and mixed them together in a large mixing bowl. The aroma of the lavender was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with a sweet and floral scent.

I shaped the dough into small rounds and placed them on a baking sheet, then popped them into the oven to bake. As they baked, the cookies spread out and turned a lovely golden brown color. When they were done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

The first bite of the lavender cookies was pure bliss. The buttery, crumbly texture melted in my mouth, and the subtle flavor of the lavender danced on my taste buds. Margaret was right - the lavender added a unique and delightful twist to the classic cookie recipe.

I packaged up a few cookies to share with Margaret as a thank you for introducing me to this wonderful recipe. She was delighted by how they turned out and we spent the afternoon enjoying the cookies with our tea, chatting and laughing as we always did.

From that day on, lavender cookies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for special occasions, for friends and family, and just for myself when I needed a little pick-me-up. Each time I made them, I thought of Margaret and the gift she had given me - not just the recipe for the cookies, but the joy of discovering something new and delicious.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with different variations of the lavender cookie recipe. I added lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or dipped them in dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. No matter how I changed them, the cookies always brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the scent of lavender and the memories of baking adventures past, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life. Cooking has always been a way for me to express my creativity and share my love with others, and the lavender cookies are a perfect example of that.

So here's to Margaret, to lavender, and to the joy of trying something new. May we always be open to new experiences, new flavors, and new friendships. And may our kitchens be filled with the sweet scent of cookies baking, bringing us together in love and laughter for years to come.