Bright, floral, and perfectly sandwichable — these Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are a sunny treat for afternoon tea or a sweet gift. Light lemon cookies meet a fragrant lavender buttercream for a delicate, vintage-inspired bite. If you love citrus-forward treats, try pairing this with lemon cream cookies for a pretty dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Bright lemon zest and gentle lavender create a unique floral-citrus flavor.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these ideal for beginner bakers.
- Sandwich format is perfect for make-ahead parties and gifting.
- Keeps well in an airtight container, so you can bake ahead.
- Family-friendly treat that’s elegant enough for special occasions.
Ingredients Needed
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (gotta have your foundation solid)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps cookies rise just right)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (brings out all those flavors)
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for rich, creamy dough)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (sweet without overwhelming)
- 1 large egg (binds everything like a champ)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (classic flavor booster)
- 1 lemon zest (fresh zing that wakes up the cookies)
Lavender Buttercream Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender (finely ground)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a few drops purple food coloring (optional)
Garnish
- as needed thin lemon slices (for garnish)
- as needed fresh lavender sprigs (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions 5
1. Prep and preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment; measure ingredients so baking goes smoothly.
2. Mix dry ingredients
Whisk together the 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl until evenly combined.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and zest
Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light, add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and the lemon zest; mix until smooth.
4. Combine dough and bake
Fold dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, scoop tablespoons of dough onto sheets, flatten slightly, and bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set; cool completely.
5. Make the lavender buttercream and assemble
Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon ground lavender, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla; add purple food coloring if desired. Spread on a cookie, sandwich gently with another, and garnish with a thin lemon slice or lavender sprig for an elegant finish. For tips on softer centers, compare techniques to soft chewy lemon cookies to choose the texture you prefer.
Serving Suggestions Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Serve with hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea to complement the floral notes.
- Arrange on a tiered platter with mixed citrus slices for a bridal shower.
- Pack a few in a small box with tissue for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Sprinkle with a touch of powdered sugar or top with a tiny lavender sprig for presentation.
- Pair with shortbread or other lemon treats for a mixed cookie tray.
Tips for Success Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Use finely ground culinary lavender to avoid a gritty texture and overpowering floral taste.
- Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft to hold shape while baking.
- Cool cookies completely before filling to prevent melting the buttercream.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Taste the lavender buttercream as you go; a little goes a long way.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Lemon-Blueberry: Fold a tablespoon of freeze-dried blueberry powder into the buttercream for a fruity swirl.
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter and plant-based cream for a dairy-free sandwich cookie.
- Cake-like version: For a lighter, cakier cookie, adapt baking time and method inspired by a classic Madeleine cookies recipe.
- Shortbread swap: Make thicker shortbread-style rounds and sandwich with the same lavender buttercream, or serve alongside lemon shortbread cookies for variety.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment; measure ingredients so baking goes smoothly.
- Whisk together the 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl until evenly combined.
- Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light, add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and the lemon zest; mix until smooth.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, scoop tablespoons of dough onto sheets, flatten slightly, and bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set; cool completely.
- Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon ground lavender, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla; add purple food coloring if desired.
- Spread on a cookie, sandwich gently with another, and garnish with a thin lemon slice or lavender sprig for an elegant finish.
