Indulge in the delicate elegance of our Lavender and Lemon Shortbread Bars, a buttery, floral dessert that’s perfect for tea parties, gifting, or a sweet treat at home. At Delights Bakery, we’re passionate about crafting baking recipes that combine unique flavors with simple techniques. These floral desserts blend the subtle aroma of culinary lavender with the bright zest of lemon, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to artisan baking, this shortbread recipe is easy to master and sure to impress. Let’s dive into this citrus dessert and bring a touch of sophistication to your baking!

Why Lavender and Lemon?

The pairing of lavender and lemon creates a harmonious balance of flavors that elevates this shortbread recipe:

• Floral Elegance: Culinary lavender adds a subtle, aromatic note that’s sophisticated yet approachable.
• Citrus Brightness: Lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing tang to cut through the buttery richness.
• Buttery Texture: Shortbread’s crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth quality is the perfect canvas for these flavors.
• Versatile Appeal: Ideal for brunches, tea parties, or as an elegant gift.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 16 bars

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender, finely ground
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Mix in ground lavender, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Press into Pan: Press dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Chill: Refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan.
8. Cut and Serve: Lift out using parchment, cut into 16 bars, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Nutrition: ~150 calories per bar, moderate in fat and sugar.

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your lavender shortbread experience with these ideas:

• Tea Pairing: Serve with chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Gift Packaging: Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Dessert Platter: Pair with fresh berries or clotted cream for a decadent spread.
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp lemon juice) for extra zing.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Bars

Ensure your citrus desserts shine with these expert tips:

• Use Culinary Lavender: Only use food-grade lavender to avoid bitterness or chemical residues.
• Grind Lavender Finely: Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for a smooth texture.
• Measure Butter Accurately: Use a digital scale for precision to ensure a tender crumb.
• Chill Dough: Chilling prevents spreading and maintains clean-cut bars.
• Zest Fresh Lemons: Fresh zest adds vibrant flavor; avoid the bitter white pith.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Too Much Lavender: Excess lavender can taste soapy; stick to 1 tbsp.
• Overmixing Dough: Mix just until combined to keep shortbread tender.
• Skipping the Chill: Unchilled dough spreads, resulting in uneven bars.
• Baking Too Long: Overbaking dries out shortbread; remove when edges are lightly golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Find Culinary Lavender?

Look for food-grade lavender at specialty food stores, online, or in the spice aisle.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for similar texture.

Can I Substitute Lemon with Another Citrus?

Yes, orange or lime zest and juice work well, but adjust sugar to balance tartness.

How Do I Prevent Crumbly Bars?

Press dough firmly into the pan and chill before baking for clean, sturdy bars.

Final Thoughts

Our Lavender and Lemon Shortbread Bars are a delicate, flavorful addition to your baking recipes, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. At Delights Bakery, we love sharing artisan baking ideas that bring joy and sophistication to your kitchen. Try this floral dessert, share your creations in the comments below, and let us know your favorite shortbread variations for a chance to feature them!