If you adore the refreshing blend of citrus and floral notes, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Lavender Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe. Imagine tender, buttery cookies infused with delicate lavender syrup and bright lemon essence, all topped with playful swirls of vibrant yellow and purple frosting. These cookies don’t just taste amazing — they bring a burst of sunshine and charm to any gathering or afternoon tea. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a gift, or just because, these delightful treats are sure to brighten any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Lemon Lavender Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe truly special is its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient choices. Each one plays a vital role, from creating that perfect crumb to delivering bursts of flavor and color that catch the eye and spark the taste buds.
- 2 sticks of Butter (softened): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup of Sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the lavender and lemon.
- 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the floral notes.
- 1 Tablespoon of Lavender Syrup: Delivers a subtle, aromatic lavender flavor that makes these cookies so unique.
- 1 Egg: Binds everything together for structure and softness.
- 3 cups of Flour: The foundation, ensuring the cookies hold their shape with just the right density.
- 1 Tablespoon of Baking Powder: Gives just enough lift for a light, airy texture.
- Purple Food Coloring Gel: For that gorgeous lavender hue in the dough and frosting.
- 4 Tablespoons of Butter (softened): Used again for the frosting, providing creaminess.
- 4 ounces of Cream Cheese: Adds tang and silkiness to the frosting.
- 4 cups of Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice: Brightens the frosting with fresh citrus punch.
- 1 teaspoon of Lavender Syrup: Continues the floral theme in the frosting.
- Yellow Food Coloring Gel: Brings sunshine-yellow frosting to life.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough and Add Color
Start by creaming the softened butter, sugar, vanilla, lavender syrup, and egg together in your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until the mixture is light and fluffy — this creates the perfect base for tender cookies. Meanwhile, combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients while using the paddle attachment. Watch as the dough comes together into a smooth ball. Now it’s time for a little magic: add purple food coloring gel in small increments, mixing until you achieve a vibrant lavender shade. Scrape down the bowl as needed to blend everything evenly.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then roll the dough into one-inch balls. Place them spaced apart on the sheets. Pop the cookies into a preheated 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Halfway through baking, peek inside! If cracks have formed, dip a flat-bottomed glass into sugar and gently press down on each cookie to flatten slightly and create a charming crinkled texture — this small step adds a delightful rustic look while keeping the texture perfect.
Step 3: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, transfer your cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This is crucial because the frosting sticks best on fully cooled cookies, and you’ll want every bite to be just right without melting the delicate icing.
Step 4: Make the Colorful Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, blend softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and well combined. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Divide the frosting into two equal parts: one will become sunny lemon yellow, the other a soft lavender purple. Stir lemon juice and yellow food coloring gel into one half, adjusting thickness with extra powdered sugar if needed. Into the other half, mix the lavender syrup and purple food coloring gel, again ensuring the consistency is perfect for piping.
Step 5: Pipe the Two-Tone Frosting
Place a 10-inch piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Spoon a long ribbon of one color down the center, then repeat with the other color beside it. Roll up the plastic wrap tightly lengthwise, forming a double-colored frosting log. Cut one end to create an opening, then insert it into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe elegant swirls on each cookie, finishing with a pointed peak. Chill for 30 minutes for the frosting to set so these beauties hold their shape when served.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already a feast for the eyes and the palate, but if you want to add a little extra sparkle, sprinkle edible glitter, tiny sugar pearls, or even a few fresh lavender buds on top of the frosting. These touches elevate the presentation and enhance the floral theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serving these cookies alongside a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea or a bright herbal lemonade pairs wonderfully, echoing the lemon and lavender notes. For a heartier spread, add fresh berries or a light citrus salad to complement the vibrant flavors and balance sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with lavender or yellow ribbons for a charming homemade treat. Alternatively, arrange them on a pastel-colored tiered tray for a springtime party or bridal shower to truly showcase your colorful approach to this Lemon Lavender Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days with that tender texture intact. Keep frosting-covered cookies separate using parchment paper sheets to avoid smearing.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies without frosting by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For a special treat, freeze baked and frosted cookies in airtight containers with parchment paper layers, though note the frosting may lose a bit of its freshness.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the cookies after freezing, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm briefly in a low oven or microwave just to soften slightly, but be careful not to melt the frosting. This way, each bite can taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried lavender for lavender syrup?
While dried lavender can add flavor, it is more potent and less evenly sweetened than lavender syrup. Using syrup ensures a consistent, gentle floral note without any gritty texture in your cookies or frosting.
What if I don’t have purple food coloring gel?
You can try mixing red and blue food coloring to create purple, but gel colors provide more vibrant hues with less liquid, which is better for dough and frosting consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum to keep the texture similar to traditional cookies.
How long do these cookies last once frosted?
Fresh frosted cookies are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Beyond that, the frosting may begin to soften or lose its shape, so it’s ideal to frost them close to serving time.
Can I use regular lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice for the frosting?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its bright flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch—just be mindful of the quantity and taste as it can sometimes be more acidic or less vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Lavender Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe is a true celebration of flavor and color, perfect for anyone who loves to bake with a touch of whimsy and elegance. I promise once you try making these, they’ll become an adored favorite in your repertoire. Give them a go, share them with friends, and enjoy the radiant smiles that follow!
