Tea Time Treats: Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Citrus Glaze

Welcome to another delightful culinary adventure on my WordPress blog! Today, we’re diving into the world of sophisticated yet comforting treats – Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Citrus Glaze. This recipe is perfect for your next tea party or as a simple indulgence to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. The combination of floral lavender and zesty citrus creates an exquisite balance that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Cookies:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• For the Citrus Glaze:
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• Optional: additional lavender flowers for garnish

Instructions

1. Making the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, dried lavender flowers, vanilla extract, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough. Press the dough together firmly and knead it briefly until it holds its shape.
2. Rolling and Cutting: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, or simply use a knife to cut the dough into squares or rectangles. Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie for expansion during baking.
3. Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shortbread cookies for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
4. Preparing the Citrus Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the freshly squeezed lemon and orange juices, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
5. Glazing the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops of each cookie into the citrus glaze using a fork. Gently tap off any excess glaze and place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. For added decoration, sprinkle a few extra dried lavender flowers over the top of each cookie.

Tips and Variations

To enhance the flavor profile of these cookies, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Alternatively, you could substitute the lemon and orange juices with lime or grapefruit juice for a different citrus twist. If you prefer a stronger lavender taste, increase the amount of dried lavender flowers used in the dough.

These Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Citrus Glaze not only look beautiful but also taste heavenly. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a thoughtful gift. Enjoy the process of creating these elegant treats and savor every bite!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on approximately 24 cookies):

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Citrus Glaze offer a delightful fusion of flavors that elevate your tea time experience. Whether you’re hosting a formal afternoon tea or just looking for something special to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Happy baking!