Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies

Lemon lavender sandwich cookies deliver a perfect harmony of bright citrus and delicate floral flavors in every delightful bite. These elegant treats feature buttery shortbread cookies infused with fresh lemon zest, sandwiched together with a smooth lavender buttercream that creates a sophisticated flavor combination. The contrast between the crisp, tender cookies and silky filling offers a textural experience as rewarding as the unique taste profile.

These cookies embody the essence of spring and summer, bringing together two complementary flavors that refresh the palate while providing subtle complexity. Perfect for special occasions or elevating everyday moments, they offer both visual appeal and remarkable taste that lingers pleasantly in memory.

I discovered the magic of this flavor pairing during a chance encounter at a local farmers market years ago. While browsing the stalls, I was drawn to a vendor selling bundles of dried lavender. The elderly woman tending the stand noticed my curiosity and gifted me a small pouch of culinary lavender, suggesting I experiment with it in my baking. The first time I combined it with lemon in these cookies, my kitchen filled with an aroma that transported me to sun-drenched meadows. My typically traditional-minded grandmother, who usually avoids "fancy" flavors, requested the recipe after her first bite!

Essential Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, tender cookie base. Room temperature butter creams perfectly with sugar for ideal texture.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness while promoting crisp edges on the shortbread. Fine crystals create tiny air pockets during creaming.
• Egg: Binds ingredients while adding structure and richness. Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into the batter.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie without becoming too tough. Measuring accurately prevents dry, crumbly cookies.
• Fresh lemon zest: Delivers bright, aromatic citrus notes throughout the cookie. Use organic lemons for best flavor and avoid the bitter white pith.
• Culinary lavender: Provides delicate floral notes that complement the lemon beautifully. Culinary grade is essential for proper flavor without bitterness.
• Powdered sugar: Creates silky-smooth buttercream without grittiness. Sift before using to prevent lumps in the filling.
• Lemon juice: Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness of the buttercream. Fresh-squeezed provides far superior flavor to bottled.
• Heavy cream: Creates richness and perfect spreading consistency in the buttercream. The high fat content helps stabilize the filling.

Cookie Creation

Dough preparation:

Begin by creaming room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This extended mixing incorporates air for proper texture. Add egg and mix until fully incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest. The zest should be finely grated using only the colored portion of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath.

Dry ingredient incorporation:

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined with no visible flour streaks. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough rather than tender cookies.

Chilling process:

Divide dough in half and form each portion into a flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight. This crucial step firms the butter, making the dough easier to roll while preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Rolling technique:

Working with one disc at a time, roll chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to approximately ¼-inch thickness. This method eliminates the need for additional flour which can toughen cookies. The parchment also prevents sticking and makes transfer easier.

Cutting process:

Remove the top sheet of parchment and cut dough using a 2-inch round cookie cutter. Transfer cut cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. These cookies spread minimally when properly chilled. Gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut additional cookies.

Proper baking:

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are just set but not browned. The cookies should appear somewhat firm but maintain a pale appearance for the most tender result. Overbaking results in brittle cookies that crumble when bitten.

Cooling strategy:

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This brief rest period allows cookies to firm up enough for transfer without breaking. Complete cooling is essential before filling to prevent melting the buttercream.

Lavender buttercream:

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of heavy cream for proper consistency. Incorporate finely ground culinary lavender and a splash of fresh lemon juice for balanced flavor. Add a tiny drop of purple food coloring if desired for visual appeal.

Assembly technique:

Pipe or spread a generous tablespoon of lavender buttercream onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies, flat side down, pressing gently to create sandwiches. The pressure should be just enough to spread filling to the edges without squeezing it out.

Resting period:

Allow assembled cookies to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief waiting period allows flavors to meld and buttercream to set slightly for cleaner eating experience.

Pin it

I discovered a wonderful variation of this recipe when preparing for a summer garden party. Adding a half teaspoon of dried culinary rose petals, finely crushed, to the lavender buttercream created an even more complex floral dimension that complemented both the lavender and lemon beautifully. Another successful experiment involved adding a thin layer of lemon curd beneath the lavender buttercream for an intensified citrus experience. My guests couldn't stop raving about the "garden in a cookie" effect, with several requesting the recipe before leaving!

Serving Suggestions

Present these delicate cookies on a simple white porcelain cake stand or tiered serving tray for maximum visual impact. For tea parties or bridal showers, arrange on vintage floral plates alongside fresh lavender sprigs for an elegant presentation that hints at the flavors within.

These cookies pair beautifully with complementary beverages that enhance their unique flavor profile. Serve alongside Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot notes create harmony with the lemon and lavender. For summer gatherings, offer glasses of lavender lemonade garnished with fresh lemon slices and lavender sprigs for a cohesive experience.

Consider temperature when serving—while delicious completely cooled, allowing cookies to come to room temperature after refrigeration enhances the aromatic qualities of both the lemon and lavender. The subtle warming releases the essential oils in both ingredients, creating a more pronounced flavor experience.

Flavor Variations

Transform these versatile cookies with seasonal adaptations that maintain the core concept while offering new taste experiences. For a spring variation, add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint to the cookie dough along with the lemon zest. The bright herbaceous notes complement both the lemon and lavender beautifully.

Summer adaptations might include adding culinary-grade dried rose petals to the buttercream for a garden-inspired treat. The delicate floral complexity creates a sophisticated flavor profile perfect for outdoor gatherings or wedding showers.

For autumn gatherings, consider incorporating a quarter teaspoon of ground cardamom into the cookie dough. This warming spice pairs surprisingly well with both lemon and lavender, creating a more complex cookie perfect for transitional seasons.

Winter holiday versions could include a drop of pure orange oil in place of some of the lemon zest for a different citrus dimension. The sweet orange notes provide a festive twist while maintaining harmony with the lavender buttercream.

Storage Guidance

Maintain optimal freshness by storing assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The buttercream contains dairy products that benefit from refrigeration for both safety and texture preservation.

For longer storage, unfilled cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in airtight containers to prevent sticking. The buttercream can also be frozen separately in freezer bags with air removed.

When serving from cold storage, allow cookies to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This brief warming period enhances flavors and softens the buttercream to its ideal creamy consistency.

For make-ahead convenience, prepare and bake the cookies up to three days before assembly, storing in airtight containers at room temperature. Prepare the buttercream one day ahead and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature and re-whip briefly before filling cookies.

These lemon lavender sandwich cookies represent the perfect balance between familiar comfort and unexpected sophistication. The bright citrus notes provide an accessible entry point for even traditional palates, while the delicate lavender offers a subtle complexity that elevates the entire experience. I've found that these cookies consistently generate both curiosity and delight, often converting even skeptics of floral flavors into enthusiasts. The way the crisp, tender shortbread yields to reveal the smooth, aromatic filling creates a multi-sensory experience that makes these cookies truly memorable. Whether served at elegant gatherings or enjoyed as a simple afternoon indulgence, they transform ordinary moments into special occasions.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookies up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. Assemble with filling just before serving for best results.

→ Where can I find culinary lavender?

Culinary lavender can be found at specialty food stores, farmers markets, or online. Make sure it's specifically labeled as food-grade or culinary lavender.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling. The filled cookies don't freeze well as the filling texture changes.

→ Can I make these without lavender?

Absolutely! You can replace the lavender with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest in the filling for double lemon cookies, or use vanilla bean seeds for a different flavor.

→ How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Once assembled, the sandwich cookies will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use dried lavender from my garden?

Only if you're certain it hasn't been treated with chemicals. For safety, it's best to use lavender specifically sold for culinary purposes.