As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of lavender and gold, I found myself in my cozy kitchen, feeling inspired by the beauty of the evening. I had just returned from a visit to a charming little herb shop that was brimming with fragrant lavender. The moment I caught a whiff of it, I knew I had to create something special. That evening, my thoughts danced around the idea of shortbread, a classic treat that exudes warmth and comfort. The idea to infuse it with lavender and sweeten it with honey was simply irresistible.
These Lavender Honey Shortbreads are a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, perfect for a cozy tea party or an afternoon snack. The floral notes of lavender paired with the rich sweetness of honey create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both unique and utterly delicious. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon culinary lavender, crushed
2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: additional lavender for garnish
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of your shortbreads later.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it incorporates air, which will help your shortbread achieve a delightful texture.
Next, gently fold in the crushed lavender, honey, salt, and vanilla extract. The aroma will be enchanting, making it hard to resist tasting the mixture right then and there.
Gradually add in the flour, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; shortbread is best when it’s tender and crumbly.
Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. If you’re feeling fancy, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes!
Transfer the cut shortbread to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a few extra lavender buds on top of each piece.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The scent of lavender will waft through your kitchen, making it hard to wait! Once baked, allow the shortbreads to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
As you take your first bite of these Lavender Honey Shortbreads, you’ll understand why I fell in love with them in that moment of inspiration. They are perfect with a cup of tea or simply enjoyed on their own. Each bite is a reminder of that beautiful evening, and they’re sure to bring a bit of sunshine to your day!
Enjoy your homemade treats, and don’t forget to share them with a friend or two. After all, good food is best enjoyed with good company!