almond lavender butter cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a delicate yet delightfully flavorful treat, these almond lavender butter cookies will surely win your heart. Combining the nutty warmth of almonds with the gentle floral notes of lavender, these cookies melt in your mouth with a buttery richness that feels both luxurious and comforting. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes almond lavender butter cookies an irresistible choice for tea time, special occasions, or simply whenever you need a sweet little escape. Baking them is straightforward, promising a rewarding experience as the heavenly scent fills your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, working together to create the signature taste and texture of almond lavender butter cookies. From the creamy butter providing a rich base to the powdered sugar adding sweetness and a delicate finish, every component plays its part beautifully.

• 10 Tablespoons salted butter, room temperature: Provides a creamy, tender crumb and slight saltiness to enhance flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar + extra for dusting: Offers smooth sweetness and a light dusting to add an elegant finish.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: Delivers a warm, nutty aroma that complements the almonds perfectly.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
• 1 cup sliced, crushed almonds: Adds crunch and enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies.
• 2 tablespoons finely minced edible lavender: Infuses the dough with delicate floral notes that make these cookies truly special.

How to Make almond lavender butter cookies

Step 1: Prep and Cream the Butter Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a mixer, begin on a low speed to prevent sugar clouds, then gradually increase the speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Almond Extract and Egg

Next, mix in the almond extract and egg. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth, with the almond extract beautifully enhancing the nuttiness that will shine through the cookies. Blend just until combined to keep the batter smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Sift half of the flour into the mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon to avoid overworking the dough. Add the remaining flour and continue folding it in until just combined, ensuring your cookies stay tender instead of tough.

Step 4: Fold in Almonds and Lavender

Finally, fold in the sliced, crushed almonds and the finely minced lavender. These two ingredients bring texture and a fragrant floral finish—the signature taste that makes almond lavender butter cookies so enchanting.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Use a spring scoop or a teaspoon to portion small mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them plenty of room to spread slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are just set with light golden edges. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Dust and Cool

Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and an elegant, snow-dusted appearance. This finishing touch completes the almond lavender butter cookies’ charming presentation.

How to Serve almond lavender butter cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also sprinkle a few edible lavender buds or some finely chopped almonds over the cookies before serving. This adds visual appeal and a hint of extra texture that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, chamomile, or even a light white wine. The floral and nutty notes complement beverages with subtle, aromatic profiles, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange almond lavender butter cookies on a pretty tiered tray for a tea party or gift them in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper and sprigs of lavender for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich a dollop of lemon curd or lavender-infused cream between two cookies for an elevated dessert treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover almond lavender butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will maintain their tender texture and lovely flavor while protecting them from moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, your almond lavender butter cookies stay fresh for up to three months and can be thawed quickly when cravings strike.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them gently in a low oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them overly soft or chewy rather than buttery and tender.

FAQs

Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure you use culinary-grade dried lavender and finely mince it if needed. The flavor will be more concentrated, so you might want to start with a slightly smaller amount and adjust according to your taste.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If almond extract is unavailable, you can substitute it with a small amount of vanilla extract, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile. The almond extract is key for that signature nutty aroma in almond lavender butter cookies.

Can I substitute the almonds?

While almonds provide that essential crunch and flavor, you could try other nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts for a different twist. Toast them lightly before adding to enhance their flavor even more.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as currently made—they use all-purpose flour. However, you can try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend as a substitute, but the texture might vary slightly from the classic almond lavender butter cookies.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, almond lavender butter cookies stay fresh and delicious for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. Keep them away from humidity to preserve their texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about almond lavender butter cookies that makes you want to bake them again and again. The marriage of nutty richness with floral notes delivers a cookie experience that’s elegant, comforting, and utterly addictive. I encourage you to try baking these delightful cookies in your own kitchen—they’re sure to become a treasured favorite that you’ll want to share with everyone you care about.

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