Merriam-Webster-Inspired Honey Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Delicate buttery shortbread cookies subtly infused with honey and floral lavender for a charming treat that brings enjoyment in every bite. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers (227g), softened unsalted butter, (60g) powdered sugar, (250g) all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g), softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well incorporated.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter logs and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 8: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the cookies feel firm to touch.
- Step 9: Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Merriam-Webster-Inspired Honey Lavender Shortbread Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Merriam-Webster-Inspired Honey Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Merriam-Webster-Inspired Honey Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Merriam-Webster-Inspired Honey Lavender Shortbread Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Merriam-Webster-Inspired Honey Lavender Shortbread Cookies?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
