If you have a penchant for bright, fragrant treats that feel like a little celebration in every bite, then this Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, fluffy, and lightly chewy cookies bursting with the invigorating zing of lemon and the subtle, aromatic whisper of lavender, all tied together with a delicate lemon glaze. Whether you’re baking for a sunny afternoon tea or a charming spring gathering, these cookies bring a perfect balance of citrusy freshness and floral elegance that will make you fall in love at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe uses a modest list of ingredients that come together to create vibrant flavor and pleasing texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the tangy zest and juice of fresh lemons to the earthy, floral notes of dried lavender, complemented beautifully by hearty oats and a luscious glaze.
- Flaxmeal: Used as a vegan egg substitute, it helps bind the dough together perfectly.
- Warm water: Activates the flaxmeal, creating a gel-like consistency.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie structure, light and tender.
- Baking soda: Provides gentle lift for soft, fluffy cookies.
- Baking powder: Adds extra rise and lightness.
- Unsalted vegan butter: At room temperature for creamy, rich texture without overpowering the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with that slightly crisp cookie edge.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Offers warmth and layers of flavor.
- Rolled oats: Give chewy texture and hearty body.
- Lemon zest and juice: The star citrus components infusing every bite with brightness.
- Dried lavender flowers: The magical floral note that defines this cookie.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Delivers sweetness in a silky smooth icing.
- Lemon juice (for glaze): Creates a tangy glaze that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Lemon zest and dried lavender (optional topping): For an extra pretty and aromatic finishing touch.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
Start by whisking together one tablespoon of flaxmeal with 2 ½ tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl. This flax egg will help bind your cookie dough while keeping the recipe vegan and moist. Set it aside to thicken while you gather the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine one cup of all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon of baking soda and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. This mixture will give your cookies that perfect balance between lift and tenderness. Set this aside because you’ll need it soon for combining with the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand mixer, beat ½ cup of unsalted vegan butter with ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup light brown sugar in a large bowl. Whip them until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is key for a soft, tender cookie. Then add ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, the zest and juice of two lemons, and the flax egg gel. Beat on high for two minutes to really incorporate all these flavorful elements.
Step 4: Combine and Add Oats and Lavender
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, then stir in 1 ½ cups rolled oats and 2 teaspoons dried lavender flowers. Mixing these last ensures the oats stay hearty and the lavender’s floral notes shine without getting lost. Be careful not to overmix — you want the dough moist but not tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover your cookie dough with a damp towel and pop it into the fridge for at least 1 ½ hours. This resting step lets the oats absorb moisture and encourages the lavender’s fragrance to infuse deeply into the dough, making every bite perfectly aromatic and soft.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop about two tablespoons of chilled dough, gently shape into balls, and arrange them two inches apart on the baking sheet. Lightly press each ball to flatten it slightly. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden, but the centers remain a little underbaked for that chewy, tender texture.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon lemon juice for the glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously atop each cookie, then sprinkle with optional lemon zest and dried lavender for a beautiful, fragrant finish.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe with delicate garnishes that elevate both flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds a zingy pop, while a light dusting of dried lavender flowers introduces an elegant floral aroma. These not only look stunning but tease your senses before the first bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a soothing cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or an Earl Grey with its own citrus notes. For a more indulgent pairing, try a glass of cold almond milk or a light sparkling lemonade to echo the lemon flavors. These combinations bring out the cookies’ delicate floral and citrus layers beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a charming vintage plate with a few sprigs of fresh lavender or lemon slices for a stunning display. You can also create a cookie platter with some fresh berries, edible flowers, and small jars of honey or lemon curd for guests to add as they please. This makes the Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe a centerpiece of any springtime gathering or special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe treats (which might be hard given how irresistible they are), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft but still fresh, preserving the bright citrus and floral notes.
Freezing
To keep these cookies longer, freeze the baked and cooled cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or a container with layers separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm frozen or leftover cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds to regain that just-baked softness. The gentle warmth revives the tender texture and amplifies the lovely aromas.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried in the Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe?
Fresh lavender has a much more intense flavor and moisture content, so it’s best to stick with dried lavender flowers for this recipe to avoid overwhelming the cookies and affecting the dough consistency.
Is this Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! The recipe uses vegan butter and flaxmeal as an egg substitute, making it perfect for vegans or anyone avoiding animal products.
Can I substitute the oats for something else?
Rolled oats provide chewiness and texture, but if you need a substitute, try finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes, though this will change the texture and flavor profile slightly.
Why does the dough need to chill for 1 ½ hours?
Chilling helps the oats absorb moisture and allows the lavender’s flavor to infuse throughout the dough, resulting in cookies that are soft, fragrant, and perfectly textured.
How thick should I flatten the cookie dough balls before baking?
Flatten the dough just enough to form a slightly thick disk, about ½ inch thick. This helps the cookies spread evenly and bake up soft in the middle with golden edges.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe is pure sunshine in cookie form, offering a delightful mix of soft chewiness, bright citrus, and gentle floral notes. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or to share, these cookies will bring warmth and joy to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try them — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Lemon Lavender Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Lemon Lavender Cookies are soft, fluffy, and a little chewy with vibrant citrus and floral notes, highlighted by a light lemon glaze. Perfect for springtime, they combine zesty lemon, aromatic lavender, and wholesome oats for a delightful treat that’s vegan and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons dried lavender flowers
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flaxmeal
- 2 ½ tablespoons warm water
- ½ cup unsalted vegan butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping (Optional)
- Lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
Instructions
- Prepare Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxmeal and warm water. Stir well and set aside to thicken for a few minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand mixer, beat the vegan butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings and Flax Egg: To the butter mixture, add salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the flaxmeal mixture. Beat on high for 2 minutes to fully incorporate.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Then fold in the rolled oats and dried lavender flowers until the dough is evenly moistened.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. This resting period allows the oats to absorb moisture and lavender to infuse its fragrance.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop approximately two tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Lightly form the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each ball to flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers still appear a little underbaked.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them carefully to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle with additional lemon zest and dried lavender flowers for garnish and extra flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps develop the flavor and texture by allowing the oats and lavender to infuse properly.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Using vegan butter makes this recipe completely plant-based.
- The glaze adds a tangy sweetness and can be adjusted to your preferred consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar.
- Optional toppings add visual appeal and reinforce the lemon-lavender flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American