If you have ever wanted to try a cookie that captures the freshness of a garden in every bite, then this Nasturtium Cookie Recipe is your new best friend. These delicate treats are more than just sweet—they deliver a wonderful balance of buttery richness with the subtle, peppery bite of nasturtium petals. It is truly a delightful surprise to your palate, and once you master this recipe, you’ll be reaching for nasturtium flowers any time you want to impress friends or elevate your tea time with something a little extraordinary. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how easy it is to bring a little garden magic into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nasturtium Cookie Recipe shines because of its simplicity—the few ingredients you need work together to create a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each element plays a unique role, from the creamy butter that lends softness to the pizzazz of fresh nasturtium petals giving these cookies their signature twist.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that melts in your mouth and creates tender, buttery cookies.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness for balance without overpowering the floral notes.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, bringing the dough together for a perfect chewy yet crisp texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookies, making them sturdy enough to hold their shape but soft inside.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and rounds out the sweetness, letting each ingredient shine.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing both the sugar and the floral petal flavor.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh nasturtium petals: The star ingredient, providing a peppery, slightly spicy floral kick and pretty bursts of color throughout each cookie.
- Additional whole nasturtium petals for decoration (optional): Perfect for making your cookies look like little edible works of art.
How to Make Nasturtium Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze. Getting your baking station ready this way sets you up for smooth sailing through the recipe.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s tender texture. The time spent here really pays off in the final bite.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add richness and a fragrant warmth that perfectly balances the cookies’ peppery undertone from the nasturtiums.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps distribute the salt evenly and prevents clumps, making mixing easier and ensuring consistent flavor throughout your dough.
Step 5: Form the Dough and Fold in Nasturtium Petals
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Then, fold in the finely chopped nasturtium petals with care—you want them evenly dispersed, but not crushed, so their bursts of color and flavor shine through in every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Decorate
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart so they have room to spread. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass for a nice even shape. If you like, press a whole nasturtium petal onto the top of each cookie for an elegant, edible decoration—perfect for impressing guests or making snack time feel fancy.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies tender and not too crisp. Allow them to cool on the pan for five minutes to set before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Nasturtium Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh nasturtium petal or two on top of each cookie makes for a stunning presentation and reinforces the delightful floral notes inside. You might also consider a light dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a touch of extra sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the slight pepperiness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are made for pairing with tea—especially herbal or green teas that echo the floral and mild spicy qualities of the petals. A mild coffee or a lightly sweetened lemonade can also make a delightful companion. They’re wonderful served with fresh fruit or a small cheese plate for an elegant afternoon tea experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine presenting these cookies on a rustic wooden board accented with fresh nasturtium blossoms and sprigs of herbs like mint or lavender. For a whimsical touch, you could even sandwich some light cream cheese or lemon curd between two cookies, creating a respectful nod to the petals inside. This Nasturtium Cookie Recipe invites your creativity both in flavor and presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will preserve their freshness and the gentle floral aroma of the nasturtiums. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as it can dry the cookies out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies at a later time, you can freeze the dough before baking. Simply shape the dough into balls, freeze on a sheet tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
For best results when reheating baked cookies, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or until just warmed through. This will help soften the cookies and revive a bit of their original texture without making them too crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use dried nasturtium petals for this recipe?
Fresh nasturtium petals are preferred for their vibrant flavor and texture, but if you only have dried, use them sparingly since they are more concentrated and can be a bit tougher. Keep in mind the delicate brightness might be less pronounced.
Are nasturtium petals safe to eat?
Absolutely! Nasturtium flowers are edible, but make sure the petals are picked from plants grown without pesticides or chemicals. Always rinse them gently before use to remove any dirt or bugs.
Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use a quality vegan butter substitute to make these cookies dairy-free. However, this may slightly alter the texture and flavor, so opt for one that behaves similarly to unsalted butter when baking.
How spicy are these cookies from the nasturtium petals?
The nasturtium petals give a mild, peppery heat similar to arugula. It’s subtle and adds complexity rather than overwhelming the sweetness, making for a unique and pleasant surprise in every bite.
What’s the best way to chop the nasturtium petals?
Use a sharp knife and chop gently into fine pieces to evenly distribute them through the dough. Avoid bruising or crushing too much to keep their color bright and flavor fresh throughout the cookies.
Final Thoughts
If you love discovering new flavors and putting a fresh twist on traditional cookies, this Nasturtium Cookie Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful way to incorporate edible flowers into your baking and create something that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious. Once you’ve experienced those subtle peppery notes mingling with buttery sweetness, you’ll wonder how you ever baked cookies without nasturtium petals. Go ahead—invite a little floral magic into your kitchen and watch these unique cookies become a beloved staple.
Print
Nasturtium Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully floral and subtly spicy, these Nasturtium Cookies combine the peppery flavor of fresh nasturtium petals with a classic buttery cookie base. Perfectly suited for tea time or as a unique garden-inspired treat, these cookies balance a soft texture and a hint of aromatic vanilla, making them an elegant and memorable dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh nasturtium petals (preferably orange or red)
Decoration (Optional)
- Additional whole nasturtium petals for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal and even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until combined thoroughly, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt in the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Nasturtium Petals: Gently fold the finely chopped fresh nasturtium petals into the dough, incorporating the floral flavor evenly throughout.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to shape them evenly.
- Decorate: Press a whole nasturtium petal onto the top of each cookie for an elegant, decorative touch, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- Nasturtiums have a peppery flavor similar to arugula, which adds a unique floral and slightly spicy twist to the cookies.
- Ensure that the petals used are pesticide-free and thoroughly rinsed before incorporating them into the dough.
- These cookies pair beautifully with tea, making them an ideal accompaniment for afternoon tea parties or light refreshments.
