Get ready to fall in love with the dreamy flavors of the Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These delicate treats combine the bright, zesty punch of lemon with the subtle floral notes of lavender, all wrapped up in a buttery cookie sandwich filled with luscious lemon buttercream. Perfect for springtime gatherings or just a cozy afternoon tea, this recipe brings a sophisticated twist to classic sandwich cookies that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. Once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cookie for gifting, snacking, or impressing friends with a homemade delight that tastes like a little edible bouquet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role to balance the cookie’s texture, flavor, and aroma. From the rich butter that creates softness to the fragrant dried lavender that adds a floral elegance, you’ll see how thoughtfully selected components transform into something truly special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the creamy richness that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the lemon and lavender.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough together while keeping the cookie light.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s base flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Packs in a fresh citrus punch that brightens every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (finely crushed): Imparts a subtle floral aroma and taste that elevates the cookie experience.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- For the Filling: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency) – together, these ingredients create a luscious lemon buttercream that’s fluffy and tart.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Cookie Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet effortlessly, keeping those delicate rounds perfect every time.
Step 2: Making the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until fully combined. In another bowl, whisk the flour with finely crushed dried lavender, baking powder, and salt for an even distribution of flavor and leavening agents. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until you form a soft, pliable dough ready to roll.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass – this creates that classic sandwich cookie shape. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn just a hint of golden. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling completely is crucial for pairing later with the filling.
Step 4: Crafting the Lemon Buttercream Filling
Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly after each addition for a bright, tangy filling. If the mixture is too thick to spread, stir in milk by the teaspoon until you reach a fluffy, spreadable consistency that’s perfect for sandwiching.
Step 5: Assembling the Sandwich Cookies
Spread or pipe the lemon buttercream generously onto the flat side of half the cookies. Then, gently press the remaining cookies on top to create these irresistible lemon lavender cookie sandwiches. The combination of soft cookie and creamy filling is what makes this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe a standout treat that will wow anyone lucky enough to try one.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming finishing touch, sprinkle a few tiny lavender buds or a light dusting of powdered sugar over your cookies. Not only does this enhance their delicate floral vibe, but it also lends a stunning look that catches the eye. You can also zest a bit more lemon on top for an extra pop of sunshine.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade to complement the lemon and lavender notes. For more decadent occasions, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a luxurious dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your sandwich cookies in a pretty glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them artfully on a vintage cake stand to steal the spotlight at your next brunch or tea party. If you’re feeling festive, dip half the cookie in white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed lavender for a stunning variation that keeps the Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe fresh and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your sandwich cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to four days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for busy weeks or last-minute guests.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the sandwich cookies in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers. They freeze wonderfully for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature—no reheating required.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed as-is, but if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, pop them in a microwave for 5 to 7 seconds to revive that freshly-baked feeling without melting the filling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender can be quite strong and watery, so dried culinary lavender is preferred for this recipe. It maintains the flavor without adding moisture, which keeps your cookies the perfect texture.
How can I make the lavender flavor more intense?
To boost lavender aroma, try infusing your sugar with dried lavender a day before baking. Simply combine them in an airtight container and let the flavors meld—this subtle trick really makes the floral notes pop.
Is there a substitute for lemon zest?
If you don’t have fresh lemons handy, you can use a teaspoon of lemon extract, but fresh zest always delivers a brighter, fresher flavor that’s essential to this recipe’s charm.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
With some experimentation, you could substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind, texture might vary slightly, but the lemon and lavender flavors will still shine.
How long do the sandwich cookies keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. Cooling the filling helps maintain its firmness and lets the flavors develop even more fully.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime fan of floral desserts or simply love vibrant, lemony treats, the Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a delightful journey in every bite. From the first fragrant whiff of lavender to the creamy tang of lemon filling, these cookies remind you that simple ingredients can do amazing things. Give them a try for your next gathering or a peaceful moment of indulgence—you won’t regret inviting these charming cookies into your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies combine the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the delicate floral aroma of lavender in a buttery, soft cookie sandwich. Perfect for springtime gatherings or as a lovely treat, these cookies feature a tender lemon-infused dough paired with a creamy lemon buttercream filling that creates a refreshing and elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (finely crushed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until all ingredients are well combined, infusing the dough with citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely crushed dried lavender, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms that is pliable but not sticky.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them spaced 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are done but still tender inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents them from breaking.
- Make Filling: Beat softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Incorporate milk one teaspoon at a time until the filling reaches a fluffy and spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the lemon filling onto the flat side of half the cookies, then sandwich with the remaining cookies, pressing gently to adhere.
Notes
- For a stronger lavender flavor, infuse granulated sugar with dried lavender a day in advance before using it in the recipe.
- Store the assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cookies to keep the lemon buttercream filling firm, especially in warm climates.
