Buttery Lavender Shortbread Recipe: Sweet Floral Bliss

Crisp, buttery lavender shortbread cookies dance with delicate floral notes that transport you straight to provence.

Fragrant lavender buds infuse each bite with subtle elegance and sweet memories.

Buttery rounds melt softly on your tongue, releasing gentle herbal whispers.

Simple ingredients combine magically to create an extraordinary treat that feels both rustic and refined.

Home bakers adore these elegant cookies for their understated sophistication and minimal preparation.

Sunshine and afternoon tea seem to beckon when these delicate shortbreads appear on your plate.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, aromatic moment of this delightful recipe.

What You Need for Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread

• Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and tender texture to the shortbread.
• Lavender: A delicate floral herb that adds a subtle, aromatic essence to the cookies.
• Sugar: Sweetens the shortbread and helps create a crisp, golden exterior.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives shortbread its classic crumbly texture.

• Demerara Sugar: A coarse, golden sugar that adds a delightful crunch and sparkling appearance to the cookie edges.

• Salt: A small amount that balances and intensifies the overall flavor of the shortbread.

Instructions to Bake Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread

Step 1: Cream Lavender-Infused Butter

Use a mixing bowl to blend softened butter with dried lavender flowers. Whip the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and releases a wonderfully aromatic fragrance. The lavender will infuse the butter with its delicate, floral essence.

Step 2: Incorporate Sweet Crystals

Gradually add granulated sugar to the lavender butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is completely integrated and the mixture looks smooth and creamy. Continue mixing until the texture becomes uniform and light.

Step 3: Form Delicate Dough

Gently fold in all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Work the ingredients together until a soft, pliable dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the shortbread tough. The dough should come together smoothly and feel slightly crumbly.

Step 4: Shape Elegant Logs

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a neat cylindrical log, approximately 6 inches long. Generously coat the exterior of each log with coarse demerara sugar, creating a sparkling, crunchy exterior. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will ensure even baking and easy cookie removal.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange Cookies

Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into rounds approximately 0.4 inches thick. Arrange the cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small spaces between each slice.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the edges turn a delicate pale golden color. The cookies should look set but not browned.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Transfer the baked shortbread cookies to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely, which helps them develop a crisp texture. Once cooled, the lavender shortbread is ready to be enjoyed with tea or as a delightful afternoon treat.

Key Tips for Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread

• Elevate Lavender Flavor: Crush dried lavender buds gently before mixing to release more intense, aromatic oils into the butter.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Roll logs in demerara sugar for a delightful crunchy exterior and added sweetness that complements the lavender's floral notes.
• Perfect Slice Technique: Use a sharp, thin knife and clean it between cuts to ensure neat, even shortbread rounds without crumbling.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch cookies closely after 12 minutes, as they should remain pale golden and delicate rather than dark brown.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispness.

Floral Variations for Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread

• Lemon Lavender Shortbread: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor that complements the lavender's floral notes.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to make the shortbread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and vegan-friendly shortbread cookie.
• Chocolate-Dipped Lavender Shortbread: Partially dip cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for an elegant and rich variation.

What to Pair with Lavender Shortbread

• Sip Chamomile Tea: Soft, floral chamomile tea enhances the lavender's gentle essence, creating a soothing flavor harmony that elevates the delicate shortbread experience.
• Match with Lemon Sorbet: Bright, tangy lemon sorbet cuts through the buttery richness, providing a refreshing contrast that highlights the lavender's subtle aromatics.
• Enjoy with Vanilla Panna Cotta: Creamy, smooth vanilla panna cotta offers a luxurious companion that mirrors the shortbread's delicate texture while adding elegant depth to the dessert pairing.

How to Store Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread

• Store cooled shortbread in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap logs or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 5 days for best flavor and texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 150C for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Allow to cool completely before enjoying.

Lavender Shortbread Frequently Asked Questions

• What flavor does lavender add to shortbread?

Lavender brings a delicate, floral, and slightly sweet essence that transforms traditional shortbread into a sophisticated treat with a subtle aromatic quality.

• Can I use dried or fresh lavender?

Dried culinary lavender works best for this recipe. Ensure it’s food-grade and specifically meant for cooking to avoid bitter or overpowering flavors.

• How do I know when the shortbread is perfectly baked?

Look for pale golden edges and a set (not soft) texture. The cookies should be firm but not dark brown, which indicates they’re slightly overcooked.

• Why coat the logs in demerara sugar?

Demerara sugar adds a delightful crunch and subtle caramel-like texture to the edges of the shortbread, creating an extra layer of delicious contrast in each bite.

Why Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread Is Delightfully Unique

• Savor Delicate Aromatics: Lavender adds a unique, elegant twist to classic shortbread, transforming an ordinary cookie into a sophisticated treat that delights the senses.
• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced cookie enthusiasts.
• Perfect for Sharing: These beautiful sugar-coated rounds are ideal for afternoon tea, gifting, or impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Delight: Easily adaptable recipe allows for creative variations, such as adding different herbs or experimenting with sugar coatings to suit personal taste preferences.

Lavender Shortbread Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicate lavender shortbread cookies whisper sweet memories of Provence, blending buttery richness with fragrant floral notes. Crisp, elegant, and simple to prepare, these shortbreads invite you to savor a moment of pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) plain flour
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) caster sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped culinary lavender

Topping Ingredient:

• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) demerara sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Cream butter with lavender essence until light and aromatic, ensuring a smooth and uniform texture.
2. Gradually incorporate sugar, mixing thoroughly until well blended and slightly fluffy.
3. Gently fold in flour, carefully kneading until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
4. Divide dough into two equal portions and shape into cylindrical logs approximately 15cm long.
5. Roll logs in demerara sugar, creating a delicate crystalline exterior for added crunch and sweetness.
6. Refrigerate logs for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
7. Preheat oven to 160°C (fan 140°C), allowing sufficient time for even temperature distribution.
8. Remove chilled logs and slice into precise 1cm thick rounds using a sharp knife.
9. Arrange cookie rounds on lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure uniform baking.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring closely until edges turn pale golden and centers appear set.
11. Transfer shortbread to wire rack, allowing complete cooling to achieve desired crisp texture.
12. Serve at room temperature, enjoying the delicate lavender-infused buttery treat.

Notes

• Enhance lavender flavor by gently crushing dried buds before mixing to release more aromatic oils.
• Experiment with different sugar types like raw or coconut sugar for unique caramelized undertones.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother, more even dough consistency.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with almond or rice flour blend.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 182 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg