Lavender Orange Tea Cookies

Here is a cookie recipe that’s perfect for those afternoon pick-me-ups or to add a touch of elegance to your breakfast or brunch table. The best part? This recipe comes together so quickly and easily, and you can have these cookies from start to finish in less than an hour. So, let’s get started in the kitchen and whip up these delicate, fragrant cookies that are sure to impress!

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, let’s talk about the two flavoring agents that make these cookies truly special: lavender and orange. I love using culinary-grade lavender for flavoring baked goods, teas, and even cocktails. The fragrance of lavender is wonderful on its own, but when complemented by the fresh, zesty flavor of orange, it reaches a whole new level. I highly recommend trying this flavor combination!

For the zesting, I use two types of zesters that I love in my kitchen. It doesn’t matter which one you use for this recipe, but today, I ended up mixing the zest from both to achieve a perfect balance.

Once you have your lavender and orange zest ready, the dough comes together in seconds, especially if you’re using a food processor. But if you don’t have one, no worries! You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or simply mix by hand with a bowl and wooden spoon. In the food processor, combine butter, sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Pulse until the dough looks well mixed and sticks together when gently squeezed in your hands. Then, add the lavender and orange zest and pulse a few more times to incorporate and infuse the flavors into the dough.

Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a work surface and form it into a log shape, about an inch and a half in diameter. At this point, you can wrap it tightly in a piece of parchment paper and either refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake. But if you’re like me and have no patience, you can just proceed to the next step. Gently slice the log into quarter-inch thick rounds. You might have to reshape them a bit before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them about an inch apart, as these cookies will expand just a little while baking.

For an added touch of personalization, you can poke a few holes in each cookie using a chopstick or create your own designs. I do different patterns and shapes every time I bake these cookies, but like I always say, you do you when it comes to presentation. So, have fun with your own designs!

Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Once the cookies are done baking, let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

This next step is completely optional, but if you like, you can mix together powdered sugar and water to create a stiff icing and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. You could also add a few more lavender buds on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

And there you have it – Lavender Orange Tea Cookies that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Sipping suggestions: Earl Grey tea or a light, fruity white wine. But as always, you do you!