How to Make the Perfect Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies
British · Easy · 35 min · 24 servings
These delicate shortbread cookies are infused with dried culinary lavender and golden honey for a floral, buttery treat perfect for a countryside afternoon tea. The tender crumb and subtle purple flecks make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why this recipe works
This Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 110 calories with 1g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
- 3 tablespoons wildflower honey
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cream the Base
Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the wildflower honey and sea salt and beat for another minute until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Add Flour and Lavender
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and dried lavender buds using a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork the dough or the cookies will become tough.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in parchment paper, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to slice cleanly.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Slice the chilled dough into rounds about a quarter inch thick and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges are just barely golden.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dried culinary lavender → dried rose petals finely crushed
- wildflower honey → maple syrup
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using decorative lavender instead of food-grade culinary lavender which can be bitter and unsafe
- Overbaking the cookies since they should look pale and set rather than deeply golden
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 110 calories, 1g protein, 12g carbs, 6g fat, 0g fiber.
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