If you’ve never tried baking Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze before, you’re in for a delightful treat. Imagine tender, buttery cookies infused with the gentle floral notes of lavender, then drizzled with a sheer, sweet glaze for the perfect finish. Every bite is a balance of simple elegance and cozy comfort, making these cookies a standout addition to any afternoon tea or dessert table. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a touch of culinary lavender, you’ll whip up something special that feels both luxurious and totally achievable at home.

Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love so much about this recipe is how every ingredient plays a special role. The list is short but intentional: each component builds the cookies’ delicate crumb, subtle flavor, and that swoon-worthy floral aroma. Gather these essentials and let’s break down what makes them shine.

Unsalted butter: This is the foundation for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s softened to cream beautifully.
Powdered sugar: Finer than granulated sugar, it gives the shortbread its soft, tender bite and helps the glaze melt smoothly.
Dried culinary lavender: Provides authentic floral flavor; use culinary-grade for safety and the best taste.
Vanilla extract: Enthusiastically ties together the butter and lavender, adding warmth and depth.
All-purpose flour: The structure of our cookies—be sure to spoon and level it for accurate results.
Salt: Just a pinch! It wakes up all the other flavors and keeps the cookies from tipping too sweet.
Milk (for glaze): Helps create a pourable glaze—adjust for your desired consistency.
Crushed lavender (for garnish): Adds a hint of color and fragrance to the finished cookies, with a floral pop.

How to Make Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial—it incorporates air, ensuring your Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze bake up with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add in the vanilla extract and the dried lavender, mixing just until the aroma blooms and everything’s evenly distributed.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually sprinkle in the flour and a pinch of salt. Stir gently, just until you see the dough begin to come together. Overmixing can make shortbread tough, so stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour. The dough will be soft and aromatic, with tiny flecks of lavender throughout—absolutely irresistible even before baking!

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Roll the dough into small balls (about a tablespoon each) and place them on a lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each one with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Pop the tray in the refrigerator for 20 minutes; this helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that signature crisp edge once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chilled cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. They’ll still be quite pale on top, which is exactly what you want for classic shortbread texture. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before glazing—you don’t want to rush this step or your glaze will slide right off!

Step 5: Lavender Glaze and Finishing Touches

While your cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle each one with a pinch of crushed lavender. The glaze sets to a subtle sheen, perfectly complimenting the floral notes and buttery crumb of the cookies. Your Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze are ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze! A sprinkle of crushed dried lavender or delicate edible flowers brings a pop of color and a gentle reminder of the cookie’s signature flavor. For a whimsical touch, try a tiny dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

These cookies are dreamy alongside a cup of gently brewed Earl Grey tea or a creamy coffee. For a full afternoon tea spread, pair them with fresh berries, lemon curd, or a light fruit salad—these bright, light accompaniments let the floral flavor of the cookies take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box! Stack and tie your Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze into bundles with twine for a charming gift, or lay them out on a vintage cake stand for a special brunch. For parties, nestle them among fresh lavender sprigs on a platter, or package in clear bags for a beautiful homemade favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies hold up beautifully at room temperature for several days. Simply store your Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze in an airtight container. If stacking, layer with parchment to prevent the glaze from sticking. The flavor even deepens by day two, making them even more enjoyable.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy these treats over an extended period, both the baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze wonderfully. For best results, freeze the cookies without glaze, then thaw and add the glaze just before serving. Freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a zip-sealed bag.

Reheating

While these cookies are usually best enjoyed at room temperature, you can briefly re-crisp plain shortbread in a low oven for a few minutes if needed. Be sure to add the glaze afterwards so it won’t melt and lose its lovely finish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

If you’d like to experiment with fresh lavender, you can—but be sure it’s culinary grade and use about double the amount, as fresh is less concentrated. Finely chop and add it with the butter and sugar, tasting as you go for a balanced flavor.

Where do I find culinary lavender?

You can often find culinary lavender at specialty spice shops, health food stores, or online. Look for packages labeled specifically for culinary use to avoid bitter or perfume-like notes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, just shape, chill for 20 minutes, and continue as directed.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?

If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can quickly blitz granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine. However, for the best, smoothest glaze on your Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze, classic powdered sugar is ideal.

Are these cookies safe for kids?

Yes, as long as you use culinary-grade lavender, these cookies are perfectly safe for all ages. Just keep an eye on portion size for little ones, as both florals and sugar can be strong flavors for young palates.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly charming about baking and sharing Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze. Their delicately floral flavor and pretty presentation make any occasion feel extra special. Give this recipe a try and watch your friends and family light up with each fragrant, buttery bite!

Lavender Shortbread Cookies with Glaze Recipe