Just recently, I was at a farmer’s market that had everything from local honey to farm fresh eggs. It was a local event held on someone’s farm where they invited other farmers to come and share their produce. One of the highlights was getting to see the miniature ponies and even a 3 day old calf on the property (animals not for sale though)!
We passed by a lavender stand that had everything lavender themed- essential oils, laundry spray, hand cream, you name it. The last product that the vendor showed me was culinary lavender. Once I heard the word “culinary”, a lightbulb turned on in my head and I started brainstorming of recipes to use it with. A quick Google search revealed that lavender can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as shortbread cookies or even a lavender rub for a pot roast. I decided to make the lavender shortbread cookies and loved them!
These lavender cookies are simple and fragrant delicious bites. Dangerously addicting.
Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons lavender buds, roughly chopped
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Preheat: 350º F
Directions
- In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar, honey, and butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the lavender, egg yolk, and vanilla.
- Add in the flour and salt and mix until well combined, taking care not to over mix.
- Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes or until firm. Roll out to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can also place the dough on parchment paper and shape it into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Freeze for 30 minutes and the remove the dough and cut into slices.
- Place the cookies on a sheet and bake at 350º F for 7-8 minutes.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Adapted from My Fancy Pantry
Tips:
-If you used cookie cutters for this recipe, you can place the baking sheet of cookies in the freezer for 5 minutes so that they firm up and maintain their structure when baked.
-To get your butter to room temperature faster if in a rush, you can slice the stick of butter and spread it out on a plate. The greater surface area will allow the butter to soften quicker.
What recipes have you used lavender in?
The cookies look amazing! I have not used lavender in my cooking but your recipe is tempting me to get some.
The calf is so cute!
Thanks Sandhya! Hope you get to try some :)
I too have only ventured as far as lavender tea but would love to try these. -Kat
Hope you give them a try!