Soft Lemon Cookies

Featured in Treats That Make Everything Better.

Fast cookies bursting with lemon and lavender, drizzled with glaze. 32 minutes, 25 cookies, no chilling.
Clare Recipes
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 20:45:54 GMT
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Zesty Lemon Lavender Cookies | lilicooks.com

A perfect mix of bright citrus with flowery lavender brings these stunning cookies to life. They're just as good to eat as they are pretty to look at. You'll love the soft, buttery bites with slightly crunchy edges, all topped with a shiny lavender glaze. They're great for tea time, get-togethers, or when you need a fancy little sweet.

I found some cooking lavender at my neighborhood farmers market and played around until I got this awesome mix of flowery and citrusy flavors just right. Now these cookies are my go-to for springtime parties and outdoor gatherings because they make the kitchen smell amazing while they bake.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Butter: Needs to be just right - slightly soft but not mushy for the perfect cookie texture
  • Culinary lavender: Adds gentle flowery taste; always buy the food-safe kind for best results
  • Fresh lemons: You'll need both the peel and juice; don't try using the bottled stuff instead
  • All-purpose flour: Measure it carefully; scoop with a spoon then level off for best cookies
  • Cornstarch: This is the secret to making cookies that practically melt when you bite them

Making Cookie Wonders

Whipped Butter Base:
Beat your butter until it's super fluffy to get air into the mix.
Flavor Release:
Rub lemon peel and lavender with sugar to get all their natural oils out.
Easy Mixing:
Stir wet and dry parts together just enough - don't overdo it.
Even Scooping:
Use a cookie scoop so they all bake at the same rate.
Perfect Topping:
Make a smooth glaze that's just right for a beautiful finish.
Pretty Touches:
Sprinkle with extra lemon bits and lavender for a fancy look.
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Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe | lilicooks.com

When I make these cookies, I think about my grandma's yard where lavender grew next to her lemon trees. She always told me baking isn't just following steps - it's knowing how things work together. The first batch I got just right took me straight back to those summer days in her garden.

Ways To Enjoy

Show off these fancy cookies on an old-fashioned tray with some Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a perfect afternoon snack. For parties, stack them on a tiered plate with some fresh flowers and enjoy with bubbly or lavender lemonade. They also make great gifts in clear bags tied up with purple ribbons.

Try These Twists

Switch things up by using orange or grapefruit instead of lemon for a different tangy flavor. Try adding melted white chocolate on top instead of the glaze for extra richness. For really special times, add some dried rose petals that you can eat to make them even prettier.

Storage Secrets

Keep your cookies in a sealed container at room temp for about four days, putting wax paper between the layers so the glaze stays nice. If you want to save them longer, freeze the cookies without glaze for up to two months, then thaw and add glaze when you're ready to eat them.

After making these cookies for years, I've realized they're not just treats - they're little masterpieces that bring some class to any event. I love how the light purple glaze catches your eye with tiny bits of lemon and lavender on top - they look almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

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Easy Lemon Lavender Cookies | lilicooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be made lavender-free?
Sure, just skip the lavender buds and extract for a pure lemon flavor.
→ Where can I get edible lavender?
Find it in gourmet shops or online. Make sure it's labeled as safe for eating.
→ Can I prepare them early?
Absolutely! They'll stay fresh for 4 days in a sealed container. Separate layers with wax paper.
→ Is freezing an option?
Yes, keep unglazed cookies frozen for up to 3 months. Add glaze after thawing.
→ Why did mine flatten out too much?
Your butter might've been too soft. Use butter that's cool but not straight from the fridge.

Lavender Lemon Cookies

Light and zesty cookies with lavender and lemon, finished off with a sweet glaze. Great for springtime or tea gatherings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 25 Servings (25 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Dough

01 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds for cooking
02 2 tablespoons lemon zest, freshly grated (about 3 lemons)
03 2¼ cups flour (all-purpose), spooned and leveled
04 ¾ cup sugar (white, granulated)
05 2 sticks of salted butter, room temperature but still slightly cool
06 ½ teaspoon baking powder
07 2 tablespoons cornstarch
08 1 large egg, chilled but not too cold

→ Lemon Lavender Glaze

09 A few drops of purple food coloring (3-4 drops)
10 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted thoroughly
11 ½ teaspoon lavender extract, optional
12 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, squeezed

→ Garnish

13 Fresh lemon zest as needed
14 Extra culinary lavender to sprinkle on top

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure all your ingredients before starting.

Step 02

Combine the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Set it aside after mixing well.

Step 03

With your mixer, beat the butter, sugar, lavender, and lemon zest until it looks fluffy and light. Blend in the egg, scraping the bowl to ensure everything’s incorporated.

Step 04

On a low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix only until combined. Don’t worry if the dough looks a little crumbly!

Step 05

Use a tablespoon to scoop dough balls onto the lined sheets, keeping space between each ball. Flatten them slightly and bake for 12-15 minutes. Edges should be lightly golden.

Step 06

When completely cool, stir the lemon juice, powdered sugar, and optional lavender extract to make a glaze. Add food coloring if desired, then drizzle over the cookies. Sprinkle with lavender and lemon zest, if you like.

Notes

  1. Juice your lemons only after you’ve zested them. It’s way easier that way!
  2. Avoid packed flour! Weigh it or use the spoon method for the best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Cookie sheets for baking
  • Parchment paper sheets
  • A small scoop for dough balls
  • Rack for cooling cookies

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Made with dairy (butter)
  • Includes eggs
  • Contains gluten from flour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 134
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 1 g