Hey, friend! Ever bite into a cookie that’s so bright and floral it feels like a sunny garden party in your mouth? Let me introduce you to lemon lavender sandwich cookies, a buttery, zesty treat with a creamy filling that’s pure elegance in every bite. I baked these for a brunch last weekend, and they disappeared faster than my resolve to skip dessert! Ready to whip up a batch that’ll make your kitchen smell like a lemony lavender field? Let’s get rolling!
Why These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Are a Total Winner
So, what’s the big deal with these cookies? They’re not just cookies—they’re buttery, floral masterpieces with a tangy lemon kick and a luscious filling. I mean, who can resist that sophisticated lemon-lavender vibe? Here’s why this recipe rocks:
- Quick to Make: Done in 40 minutes, perfect for fancy gatherings or cozy afternoons.
- Unique Flavor: Lemon zest and lavender create a refreshing, elegant combo.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp cookies paired with a creamy filling for balance.
- Showstopper: Ideal for tea parties, bridal showers, or gifting with flair.
Ever wonder why lemon and lavender feel so fancy? It’s that zesty-floral duo that makes these sandwich cookies a star.
The Magic of Lemon and Lavender
The stars here are lemon zest and dried lavender, which blend into a crisp cookie with a bright, floral note. Butter ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the lavender buttercream adds creamy decadence. I learned the hard way that too much lavender tastes like soap—less is more! It’s like a summer garden in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create that gourmet, floral flavor. Here’s what you’ll grab for about 12 sandwich cookies:
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
For the Lavender Buttercream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1-2 drops purple food coloring for a floral hue 🙂
Substitutions That Work
No dried lavender? Lavender extract (use ¼ tsp) works, but culinary lavender is best, IMO. Out of lemon zest? Lemon extract (½ tsp) can pinch-hit, though fresh zest is brighter. Want it gluten-free? Swap in gluten-free flour with a 1:1 ratio. The key is that lemon-lavender vibe, so don’t skip the core flavors!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Ready to bake? This recipe is straightforward but feels like a bakery showpiece. Here’s how to nail it:
Step 1: Prep the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed lavender in a separate bowl.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop dough into 1-tbsp balls, roll into smooth spheres, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Flatten slightly with your hand or a glass for uniform cookies.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Lavender Buttercream
- Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, crushed lavender, and purple food coloring (if using), mixing until smooth.
- Spread or pipe 1-2 tsp buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another.
Pro tip: I once used too much lavender in the buttercream, and it tasted like a candle—yikes! Stick to 1 tsp crushed lavender for that perfect floral balance!
Tips for Nailing Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Wanna make these cookies next-level? Here are my go-to tricks:
- Crush Lavender Finely: Pulverize dried lavender to avoid grainy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix dough just until combined to keep cookies crisp.
- Chill if Sticky: Refrigerate dough for 10-15 minutes if it’s too soft to shape.
- Use Fresh Zest: Fresh lemon zest delivers the brightest flavor.
- Pipe for Precision: Use a piping bag for neat buttercream application.
Ever wonder why lemon and lavender feel so luxurious? It’s the tangy lemon and subtle lavender that make these sandwich cookies a total hit.
Variations to Mix It Up
Bored of the classic? Try these twists to keep things fresh:
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Skip the filling and bake as simple shortbread cookies for a lighter treat.
Lemon Lavender Cream Cheese Filling
Swap buttercream for a cream cheese frosting (use 4 oz cream cheese + 1 cup powdered sugar).
Lemon Blueberry Lavender Cookies
Add ¼ cup dried blueberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
Vegan Lemon Lavender Cookies
Use vegan butter and flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a plant-based version.
Storing and Reusing Like a Pro
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Here’s how to keep those cookies fresh:
- Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months; freeze filling separately.
- Reusing: Warm cookies at 325°F for 5 minutes to revive crispness.
I’ve turned leftover cookies into a dessert parfait with whipped cream, and it was a total game-changer. Keep them airtight for that lemony, floral vibe!
FAQs About Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Got questions? I’ve got you covered. Here’s what folks usually ask:
Can I use fresh lavender?
Yup! Use fresh culinary lavender, but halve the amount to avoid overpowering.
Why are my cookies soft?
You might’ve underbaked or used too much butter. Check your oven temp.
Can I make these ahead?
Totally! Prep dough and filling up to 2 days ahead; assemble before serving.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Check your baking powder too!
What’s a good pairing for these?
These cookies shine with earl grey tea, lemonade, or sparkling wine. I love them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Related Recipes:
- Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe
- Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Dreamy Blueberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—lemon lavender sandwich cookies, the ultimate zesty, floral treat that’s like a summer garden in your kitchen. They’re perfect for tea parties, brunches, or just treating yourself to something fancy. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or adding your own spin, these cookies deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Grab your lemons and lavender, fire up the oven, and get ready for a batch that’ll have everyone swooning. What’s stopping you from baking these tonight? 🙂
