Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
If you’re after a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe. Buttery, lemon-zested cookies sandwich a dreamy lavender buttercream, creating treats with a delicate floral aroma and a cheerful pop of color. Each bite balances sweet, tart, and floral notes, making these cookies perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a bakery-worthy afternoon tea at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe comes from just a handful of simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the cookies’ flavor, soft crumb, or dreamy pastel color. Don’t skip the little details—they make all the difference!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your cookies, giving them the perfect tender structure.
- Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for that light, slightly airy texture in every bite.
- Salt: Brings out the subtle flavors and balances the sweetness in the dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for both the cookies and frosting, butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a light golden edge.
- Large egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds a little extra moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the cookie and buttercream with warm, comforting flavor.
- Lemon zest: A touch of lemon brings fresh, sunshiny brightness to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for silky-smooth buttercream that’s sweet, but not gritty.
- Culinary lavender, finely ground: The floral centerpiece! Ground culinary lavender infuses the buttercream with a gentle aromatic touch.
- Heavy cream: Loosens the buttercream, making it plush and easy to pipe.
- Purple food coloring (optional): For that iconic, pastel-lavender hue—just a drop is all you need.
- Thin lemon slices: A pop of color and garnish for the final cookie presentation.
- Fresh lavender sprigs: The fragrant finishing touch that takes your sandwich cookies from homemade to high-tea chic.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mixing and Baking the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Gradually mix in your dry ingredients, being careful not to overwork the dough so your cookies stay tender. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness, cut out rounds, and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just golden. Allow cookies to cool completely before filling; patience is key for picture-perfect sandwiches!
Step 2: Making the Lavender Buttercream
While the cookies cool, whip up the lavender buttercream. Beat the softened butter on its own first—this ensures a creamy, lump-free base. Add powdered sugar in stages, followed by the ground lavender, a splash of vanilla, and heavy cream to bring everything together. If you want that classic lavender look, drop in a touch of purple food coloring and beat until light, fluffy, and airy—about 2-3 minutes. The buttercream should be smooth and pipeable, with a lovely floral aroma that lets you know something special is about to happen.
Step 3: Assembling the Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s assembly time! Spread or pipe a generous layer of lavender buttercream onto the flat side of half the cookies. Gently press a second cookie on top to create a delicate sandwich. If you’re feeling fancy (and why not?), pipe a swirl of lavender buttercream on top of each for an extra hint of flavor. Finish with a thin lemon slice and a fresh sprig of lavender to turn each cookie into a miniature masterpiece. These details make your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe truly show-stopping.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A thin slice of lemon and a fresh lavender sprig are classic choices here, adding not just color and fragrance but also an unmistakable hint at the flavors within. For parties or special occasions, try edible dried flowers or even an extra dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant, snowy finish. No matter how you garnish them, these Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe treats bring instant charm to any dessert tray.
Side Dishes
Since these cookies are all about subtle, sophisticated flavors, they’re perfect alongside a cup of honey-sweetened herbal tea or a glass of chilled, tart lemonade. For a festive brunch or afternoon tea, serve them with a spread of fresh fruit, creamy cheeses, or even alongside lemon bars for a citrusy dessert assortment that’s sure to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
Everyone loves a show-stopping cookie platter! Try stacking your sandwiched cookies gently on a tiered cake stand or wrapping a couple together in parchment and twine for unforgettable party favors. Another fun option: serve the cookies with little edible flowers pressed into the buttercream for a whimsical, garden-party effect. However you present it, your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe will be the center of attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored properly, your Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge. Stack them between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container to protect the delicate buttercream and preserve the cookies’ tender texture. If you plan on serving them to guests, let them come up to room temp for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
These sandwich cookies freeze beautifully—just be sure to freeze them un-garnished for the best results. Wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. To serve, thaw the cookies overnight in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature and finish with fresh garnishes for maximum visual (and delicious) impact.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these cookies since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve been refrigerated or frozen, simply let the cookies rest at room temp for about 30 minutes before serving. This softens the buttercream just enough and brings out the lovely lemon and lavender notes.
FAQs
Can I use regular dried lavender instead of culinary lavender?
It’s important to use culinary-grade lavender, which has been specifically processed for cooking and has a pleasant, food-safe flavor. Regular dried lavender can be too strong, sometimes soapy, and may not be safe for consumption.
How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, and note that the texture may be slightly more delicate, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I make the dough or buttercream in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate. The buttercream can also be stored in the fridge for several days. Just let both soften slightly at room temp before baking or assembling.
Is it possible to make them without food coloring?
Definitely. The purple food coloring is entirely optional—without it, the lavender buttercream will be a creamy pale color, still beautiful and no less tasty.
What if I don’t have a round cookie cutter?
No problem! You can use a glass, the rim of a jar, or even shape the dough gently by hand. Uniform thickness is key, so the cookies bake evenly and sandwich together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe offer a wonderful mix of elegance, bright flavor, and delightful floral aromatics. Whether you’re treating friends, impressing at a party, or just making a cozy batch for yourself, I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with its charming, sunny personality!
PrintLemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Delicate and aromatic, these Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the floral notes of lavender. These cookies are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence any day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 16 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Lavender Buttercream:
- 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 of purple food coloring (optional)
Garnish:
- Thin lemon slices
- Fresh lavender sprigs
Instructions
- Making the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Roll out dough, cut out cookies, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Preparing the Lavender Buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in culinary lavender, cream, vanilla, and food coloring. Beat until fluffy.
- Assembling the Cookies: Spread lavender buttercream on half the cookies. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Pipe buttercream on top, garnish with lemon slice and lavender sprig.
Notes
- For a stronger lavender flavor, steep the culinary lavender in the heavy cream before adding to the buttercream.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve the desired hue.
- Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies, Lavender Buttercream, Cookie Sandwiches, Dessert Recipe