Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love creating unique cookie recipes that tantalize the taste buds, and these Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites do just that! The bright, zesty flavor of lemons perfectly complements the delicate floral notes of lavender, resulting in a delightful treat. With a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a tea party or simply craving something special, I think you'll find these little bites of joy irresistible.
When I first experimented with these Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites, I was thrilled to discover how well these two flavors complement each other. I decided to use culinary lavender to add a fragrant touch without overpowering the zesty lemon. The result was a cookie that's refreshing yet indulgent, with a unique aroma that fills the kitchen.
One of my favorite tips is to let the dough chill for a bit before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors as they meld together. Trust me, the small wait is totally worth the delicious payoff!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Bright and zesty lemon flavor balanced with floral lavender notes
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfectly sized bites for a delightful treat any time of day
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh lemon juice and zest is crucial for achieving the bright and zesty flavor that these Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites are known for. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant aroma and tang that fresh juice provides, which can affect the overall taste of the cookies. I recommend selecting ripe lemons with a thinner skin for maximum juiciness and zest.
Similarly, when choosing lavender, opt for culinary-grade dried lavender flowers. Regular dried lavender, used mainly for aromatherapy, can often be too bitter or overpowering in flavor. You want the subtle floral notes to enhance the cookie without overpowering the citrus; therefore, sourcing quality culinary lavender is key.
Technique Tips for Perfect Cookies
Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial for the texture of your cookies. Aim for a light, fluffy mixture that takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing on medium speed until it appears pale in color. This step incorporates air, which is vital for creating cookies with a soft, chewy texture. Over-creaming, however, can lead to a dry cookie, so watch the time carefully.
When shaping the cookie dough, using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon ensures that all cookies are uniform in size. This helps them bake evenly, preventing some from being overdone while others remain underbaked. Aim for a tablespoon-sized portion—this yields bite-sized cookies that are satisfying without being too indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bites
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried lavender. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy these delicious Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites with a cup of tea or coffee!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, consider glazing the cookies with a simple lemon glaze after they've cooled. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over the cookies for added sweetness and flavor.
Storing Your Cookies
These Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their shelf life to about two weeks. Just make sure they are well wrapped to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing the cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer the cookies to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready for fresh cookies, bake them directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookie bites pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, enhancing the floral and citrus notes with each sip. For an afternoon tea party, feel free to serve them alongside other light pastries or scones to create a charming spread. Their unique flavor profile also makes them an interesting addition to a dessert platter.
Consider garnishing the cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple lemon glaze for visual appeal. A glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice will not only add sweetness but also elevate the flavor, making the cookies feel even more special.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender can be used, but you'll need to increase the amount slightly, as it's less concentrated in flavor. Start with a teaspoon and taste.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to three months.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites
I absolutely love creating unique cookie recipes that tantalize the taste buds, and these Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites do just that! The bright, zesty flavor of lemons perfectly complements the delicate floral notes of lavender, resulting in a delightful treat. With a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a tea party or simply craving something special, I think you'll find these little bites of joy irresistible.
What You'll Need
For the Cookie Bites
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried lavender. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy these delicious Lemon Lavender Cookie Bites with a cup of tea or coffee!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, consider glazing the cookies with a simple lemon glaze after they've cooled. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over the cookies for added sweetness and flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g