There’s something special about baking in the spring—when the air is fresh, the flowers are blooming, and the flavors are light and refreshing. This Lemon & Lavender Shortbread is the perfect way to celebrate the season, bringing together the brightness of citrus with the delicate floral notes of lavender.

Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that captures the essence of spring.

One of the beauties of this recipe is that you can change out your flavor ingredients if lavender and lemon aren’t your thing. Maybe try using sliced almonds and amaretto syrup for a rich, nutty twist that will transport you straight to your favorite cozy café. Alternatively, consider a combination of fresh berries and a splash of vanilla for a fruity explosion that feels like a sunny day. The flexibility of this recipe truly allows for personalized expression, ensuring that every bite resonates with your unique taste.

Feel free to experiment until you discover your perfect blend. After all, the joy of cooking lies in the adventure of trying something new!

Lemon & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and dried lavender.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together.
Shape and Chill: Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Place on the prepared baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy! Serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for the Perfect Shortbread:

Use High-Quality Butter: The foundation of delectable shortbread lies in the butter you choose. Opt for unsalted, high-fat butter—this not only brings out the rich, creamy flavor but also ensures the dough holds its shape during baking. Your taste buds deserve the best!
Chill the Dough: After mixing your ingredients, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step hardens the butter, which helps prevent your shortbread from spreading too much in the oven. A well-chilled dough is your secret weapon for achieving that perfect crumbly texture!
Don’t Overmix: While it can be tempting to keep mixing for that “perfect” consistency, stop as soon as the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough shortbread; instead, aim for a tender and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. A little lumpiness is okay—think of it as character!
Choose the Right Pan: Your choice of baking pan can impact the final result. Opt for a light-colored, metal baking sheet or a favorite shortbread pan for even baking. Avoid dark or non-stick pans, which can cause the bottom of the cookies to brown too quickly.
Perfectly Prick the Dough: For that classic shortbread appearance and to help with even baking, gently prick the top of the dough with a fork. It allows steam to escape, preventing puffiness, and adds a delightful visual touch to your cookies.
Test for Doneness: Keep a watchful eye in the last few minutes of baking. The shortbread is done when it’s slightly golden around the edges but still pale on top. Remember, they will firm up as they cool, so don’t be tempted to bake them until they’re too brown!
Cool Completely: Allow the shortbread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly, ensuring a satisfying snap when you take a bite. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to delicious shortbread!

With these fun tips in hand, you're set for shortbread glory!

Enjoy the crumbly goodness that’ll leave everyone wondering about your recipe.

As you sip tea and munch on those buttery cookies, remember that a cherished kitchen deserves little delights—like fresh-baked shortbread or a lovely linen tea towel that adds a sprinkle of charm to everyday moments. After all, spring baking and beautiful linens are always worth it!

The Perfect Baking Companions

Baking isn’t just a chore; it’s an experience to be savored, filled with delightful aromas and cozy moments. Our kitchen linens are here to elevate that vibe, transforming your baking escapades into a delectable adventure. Imagine slipping on a soft linen apron, its lightweight fabric dancing around you as you mix, knead, and create. Each moment becomes a celebration of the senses, the gentle touch of the linen against your skin a subtle reminder that you’re not just any baker; you’re a culinary artist.

Our tea towels? They’re not just for wiping hands but for embracing the joyful chaos of baking—a trusty companion in your flour-dusted journey. With each wash, they get softer, perfect for wrapping up your homemade goodies or presenting a fresh batch of cookies to your family. They’re here to handle those buttery hands and floury fingerprints, ready to soak up all the happy mess that turns cooking into a cherished memory.

So, why not indulge a little? Let our heirloom-quality linens be part of your baking story, because joy is found in every layer of the experience.

Lemon & Lavender Shortbread: A Simple Springtime Treat