There is something utterly delightful about the way bright citrus notes mingle with delicate floral hints in desserts, and this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. These charming little treats combine the zesty freshness of lemon with the calming touch of lavender, wrapped up in tender, buttery cookies and a luscious, creamy filling. Whether you’re looking to impress at a tea party, searching for a unique homemade gift, or simply craving a new favorite cookie, this recipe is a joyful way to bring a little sunshine and elegance to your baking adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and straightforward but essential in bringing the Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe to life. Each item plays a vital role—flour forms the tender cookie base, lavender adds an aromatic surprise, and lemon zest and juice brighten up the whole experience with their vibrant flavors. The butter and powdered sugar create that perfect luscious texture in both cookie and filling, while just a touch of vanilla rounds everything out beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies, providing structure and softness when combined correctly.
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely chopped: Adds a subtle floral fragrance and unique flavor, so use culinary-grade for the best taste.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Brings a fresh and zesty brightness that awakens the palate.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite without losing their shape.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for cookie dough): Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for cookie dough): Sweetens gently while ensuring a smooth dough.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Enhances that bright lemony note and keeps the dough tender.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates the rich base of the creamy filling.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for filling): Infuses the filling with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling): Complements the lemon and lavender flavors.
- ½ tsp dried lavender, finely chopped (for filling): Gives the filling the signature floral note that makes these cookies stand out.
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream: Adjusts the filling’s consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for creating cookies that bake through evenly without over-browning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make removal after baking a breeze and to avoid any sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
The dough comes together beautifully when you first whisk the dry ingredients: flour, lavender, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the flavors are well-distributed. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy—this step is key for a tender crumb. Then add the egg, vanilla, and lemon juice, blending everything smoothly before gradually mixing in the dry ingredients to form a delightful dough that’s easy to work with.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Cookies
Take generous tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them evenly spaced on your baking sheet. Flatten gently with a fork or your fingers to form cookie discs. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden hue. This creates cookies that are crisp on the outside but tender within. Let them cool completely, which will make assembling your sandwiches so much easier.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
The filling is where the magic of this recipe really shines. Beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla, and finely chopped lavender for a burst of citrus and floral notes that complements the cookies perfectly. Add heavy cream gradually, one tablespoon at a time, to get the filling to a creamy, spreadable consistency that holds together when sandwiched.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread a generous scoop of the luscious lemon lavender filling onto the bottom of one cookie, then top with another to create a perfect little sandwich. Press gently so the filling spreads to the edges, making every bite a delicious balance of cookie and cream.
Step 6: Serve and Store
Your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are ready to be enjoyed right away or stored safely. Place them in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to five days. If you’d like, refrigerate to extend their shelf life a bit longer while keeping that fresh flavor intact.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pretty touch before serving by sprinkling a few extra lavender buds or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. A small lemon twist on the plate adds elegance and a hint of extra zest. These small details make the cookies irresistible and perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies with a light tea such as Earl Grey or chamomile to complement their citrus and floral profile beautifully. Fresh berries or a citrusy sorbet on the side can elevate the experience to a delightful afternoon treat or dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sandwich cookies on a tiered stand for a stunning presentation at brunch or showers. Alternatively, wrap singles individually in parchment tied with a lemon-yellow ribbon for charming party favors. You can even serve them alongside lemon or lavender-infused drinks for an extra-special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe beauties, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their tender texture and fresh flavor for up to five days, making them a convenient, delicious treat for days to come.
Freezing
These sandwich cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They retain their lovely texture and flavor for up to three months—perfect for prepping ahead for special occasions or sweet cravings.
Reheating
There’s no need to heat these cookies before enjoying—they’re perfect straight from the container. However, if you prefer a slightly softer bite, let them sit at room temperature for a bit after removing from the fridge or freezer, and they will soften naturally without losing their structure.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender tends to have a more mellow flavor and higher moisture content, which can affect the texture of your cookies. It’s best to stick with dried culinary lavender to maintain the perfect balance and avoid any bitterness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but note that texture and taste may vary slightly.
Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract?
You can use lemon extract if you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated than fresh lemon juice. Typically, about half the quantity of lemon extract will suffice.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for edges that are lightly golden and slightly firm to the touch, while the centers still look set but not browned. This indicates a tender, crumbly texture once cooled.
Can I make the filling less sweet?
Absolutely! Adjust the powdered sugar in the filling to your taste. Just keep in mind that reducing it too much might affect the consistency, so add liquid ingredients gradually if needed to keep it spreadable.
Final Thoughts
If you love cookies that combine bright, fresh lemon with the enchanting floral notes of lavender, this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe is going to become one of your favorites. It’s a wonderfully approachable recipe that brings a hint of elegance and a burst of flavor to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making these joyful little treats and share them with friends and family—they’re sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few envious requests for the recipe!
Print
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (24 cookies, 12 sandwiches)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are delicate, flavorful treats combining the bright zestiness of lemon with the subtle floral notes of lavender. Lightly crisp on the edges and tender in the middle, they are sandwiched with a creamy lemon-lavender frosting that adds a luscious finish. Perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who enjoys unique, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Cookie Dough Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp dried lavender, finely chopped
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped dried lavender, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the butter mixture and beat to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms.
- Roll & Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll into balls. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently using a fork or your fingers to create cookie discs. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
- Make Filling: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, and finely chopped lavender, mixing well to incorporate. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired spreadable consistency is reached.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Take one cooled cookie and spread a generous layer of the lemon lavender filling on the flat side. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired.
- Serve & Store: Serve the sandwich cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them and bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Use culinary lavender to avoid any bitterness from non-edible varieties.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the filling to your preferred tartness level.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of black or green tea.
