Honey & Lavender Shortbread: Easiest Elegant Cookies EVER!

Honey & Lavender Shortbread. The scent alone takes us back to sun dappled afternoons in the Italian countryside, where wildflowers bloomed in abundance. This Honey & Lavender Shortbread recipe is not just a cookie; it’s a little piece of our history, a bite of sunshine, and a sprinkle of Nonna love. We’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, and now we’re thrilled to share our floral desserts with you.

Why You Will Love This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

These lavender shortbread cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. Imagine a melt in your mouth shortbread, subtly flavored with the delicate notes of lavender and the warm sweetness of honey. Perfect with a cup of tea or as an elegant baking offering for guests, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

We love this recipe because it reminds us of our own families gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The aroma fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, creating a cozy atmosphere that everyone will appreciate. It’s also a fantastic way to impress your friends with your baking skills! Consider making these when looking for an elegant baking option.

And don’t forget, you can follow along with all of our baking adventures! Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration.

Ingredients Needed for This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicate honey shortbread cookies:

• For the Shortbread:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened * 1/2 cup honey * 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender

• Optional Glaze:

* 1 cup powdered sugar * 2-3 tablespoons milk (or lavender infused milk) * 1 teaspoon honey

How to Make This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until light and fluffy. This is where your arm muscles get a workout! Or, of course, you can use an electric mixer.

1. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and dried culinary lavender. Make sure the lavender is finely ground to avoid any overpowering flavors.

1. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will result in a tough shortbread.

1. 5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a disc about 1/4 inch thick. You can also roll it out with a rolling pin if you prefer.

1. 6. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. We love using floral shapes for these honey & lavender shortbread cookies! Alternatively, you can cut them into squares or rectangles.

1. 7. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

1. 8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. 9. If making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or lavender infused milk), and honey until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, or dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze.

1. 10. Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy your elegant baking treat!

How to Serve This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

These honey & lavender shortbread cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of other flavors. Imagine serving them alongside a pot of your favorite tea, or as part of a dessert platter with fresh fruit and cheeses.

For a truly elegant touch, consider serving these cookies with Lavender Honey Cupcakes. (You can find the recipe for those here: Lavender Honey Cupcakes). The floral notes complement each other perfectly, creating a sophisticated and memorable experience. You can also serve this with tea or coffee.

How to Store This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

To keep your honey & lavender shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 5 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. These lavender shortbread cookies taste great when stored correctly!

Tips to Make This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

• Ingredient Swap: If you don’t have honey on hand, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Success Tip: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the honey.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid overmixing the dough. This will result in a tough shortbread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Pro Tip: For a more intense lavender flavor, infuse your milk with lavender before making the glaze. Simply heat the milk with a few sprigs of lavender, let it steep for 30 minutes, and then strain.

Helpful Notes for This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

• Culinary Lavender: It’s important to use culinary-grade lavender for this recipe. Other types of lavender may have a bitter or soapy taste.
• Honey Selection: We recommend using a high quality honey for the best flavor. Local honey is always a great choice!
• Equipment: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and honey much easier, but you can also do it by hand if you prefer.

Variation of This Honey & Lavender Shortbread Recipe

• Lemon Lavender Shortbread: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright and citrusy twist. The lemon complements the lavender beautifully.
• Chocolate Dipped Shortbread: Dip the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
• Nutty Shortbread: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Also, you can try adding some other floral flavors!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making these delightful honey & lavender shortbread cookies as much as we do. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a little treat for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make them your own. Now go on and create a batch of your own Honey & Lavender Shortbread ! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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