Honey Lavender Shortbread: the name itself sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? It evokes images of sun-drenched lavender fields and the sweet, comforting aroma of honey. These delicate cookies are the perfect marriage of floral and sweet, offering a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is surprisingly simple and yields beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that will have everyone asking for more. Ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds? Let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients:
For these little bites of happiness, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup honey, preferably a delicate wildflower or lavender honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
A few notes about the ingredients:
- Butter: Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature. This will ensure it creams properly with the sugar, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- Honey: Using a delicate honey like wildflower or lavender will allow the floral notes to shine through. If you can’t find lavender honey, don’t worry, any good quality honey will do!
- Lavender: Be sure to use culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for consumption. You can find it online or at specialty spice shops.
Tools of the Trade:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional)
Let’s Bake!
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Prepare the Lavender: Place the dried lavender in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind it into a fine powder. This will help release its aroma and prevent the cookies from having a bitter taste.
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Cream Together the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
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Incorporate the Honey and Vanilla: Add the honey and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground lavender.
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Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the shortbread tough.
