Oh, let me tell you about something incredibly delightful that is sure to bring a smile to your face on a sunny afternoon: **Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies**! These little gems are not just visually stunning; they are a burst of flavor with the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and floral notes. I first made these cookies during a weekend baking spree when I was craving something special. The house smelled like a dream, and when my friends arrived, they practically inhaled them! Now, they’ve become my go-to treat for gatherings, tea parties, or simply indulging myself on a cozy evening.
The unique combination of lemon and lavender really sets these cookies apart, making them feel a bit sophisticated and unique. Plus, who can resist the charm of a lovely little sandwich cookie? Trust me; you’re going to want to whip these up and see how they can brighten anyone’s day!
What’s in Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie. I usually use a good quality unbleached flour for better flavor and texture.
Baking Powder: This is what helps our cookies rise a bit, giving them that perfect texture that’s crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Butter: Unsalted butter is essential here. It brings a rich, creamy flavor, and make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams nicely with the sugar!
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these cookies their sweetness, but I also like to use some powdered sugar for the frosting to add that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest is a game changer; it packs so much flavor and adds a wonderful aroma.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the cookie dough and the filling.
Lavender: Make sure to use culinary lavender, which is safe for baking. It adds that lovely floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Powdered Sugar: For the lemon-lavender frosting! It makes it sweet and creamy, just the way a sandwich cookie should be.
Is Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Good for You?
Okay, let’s be real: these cookies aren’t winning any health awards, but they do have a few redeeming qualities!
Lemon: Packed with vitamin C, lemons can boost your immune system and freshen your breath.
Lavender: This herb isn’t just for a spa day; it’s known to have calming effects and may even aid in anxiety and sleep issues. Just don’t go munching on a whole plant, okay?!
The cookies themselves are rich and sweet, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. After all, life is all about balance!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ¼ tsp salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
– 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1-2 tsp dried culinary lavender (adjust according to taste)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
*This recipe will yield about 12-15 sandwich cookies, depending on the size you cut them.*
How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so those cookies don’t stick!
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside; we’ll come back to it later.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:** In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s all fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes.
4. **Add Lemon and Lavender:** Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and lavender until well incorporated – oh my, the smell is divine!
5. **Combine:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough, or the cookies will be tough!
6. **Scoop and Bake:** Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
7. **Cool the Cookies:** Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
8. **Make the Frosting:** In a clean bowl, beat the powdered sugar with a little bit of lemon juice until smooth and creamy. You want it spreadable but not too runny!
9. **Assemble:** Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a dollop of lemon-lavender frosting on the bottom of one cookie and top it with another cookie to create a sandwich.
10. **Enjoy!** Si!! Now take a moment to appreciate your beautiful cookies; you totally deserve it!
Sweet Tips for Your Baking Journey
– If you want to take these cookies to the next level, consider drizzling some melted white chocolate on top of the sandwiches.
– For a fresh twist, you could swap in some fresh herbs like thyme for the lavender for a completely different flavor dimension.
– Storing? These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep them in an airtight container for up to one week. Trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
I hope you give these **Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies** a try! They’re not only delicious but also a wonderful way to impress your friends or treat yourself to something special. I can’t wait to hear how much you love them, so don’t forget to share your baking adventures with me! Happy baking!
