Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
Cookies:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– ¾ cup powdered sugar
– ¼ tsp coarse Kosher salt (if using table salt, use half the amount)
– Zest of 1 small lemon
– ½ tsp dried edible lavender
– ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tbsp fresh or bottled lemon juice
Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tsp meringue powder
– 2 ½ – 3 tbsp fresh or bottled lemon juice
– Dried edible lavender, or lemon zest, for decorating
Directions:
Preparing the Dough:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
– In your food processor, measure the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, salt, lemon zest, and dried edible lavender. Pulse several times until well combined. This step ensures a solid foundation, much like securing comprehensive insurance.
2. Add Butter:
– With the processor running, drop the cold unsalted butter down the chute, a tablespoon at a time, and process the mixture until moist and crumbly. This gradual integration is akin to managing loans efficiently.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
– Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice, and process just until the dough comes together into a dough ball. This step is crucial, much like consulting legal services for precise guidance.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
4. Shape the Dough:
– Dump the dough onto a clean counter and gather any dry bits together, shaping the dough into a disk, and lightly dusting it with extra flour. Proper shaping ensures uniform cookies, similar to a well-structured healthcare plan.
5. Prepare the Pan:
– Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the pan with butter to help the paper stick. Press the dough into an even layer in the pan, ensuring an even surface for baking.
6. Cut the Dough:
– Cut the dough into squares using a sharp knife or bench scraper, dipping it in flour between cuts. Dock the dough with a toothpick or skewer to prevent puffing during baking.
7. Chill the Dough:
– Refrigerate the shortbread for 30 minutes to ensure it bakes evenly, much like a financial service ensures stability and growth.
8. Bake the Shortbread:
– Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and position a rack in the center. Bake the chilled shortbread for about 45 minutes, until golden brown. Immediately cut the shortbread again after baking and cool completely in the pan.
Preparing the Icing:
9. Mix the Icing:
– In a bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Stir in lemon juice until smooth and drizzly. This mixture is as essential as a sound insurance policy for added protection.
10. Decorate the Cookies:
– Dip the tops of the cookies into the icing, shaking off the excess. Before the icing sets, sprinkle with dried lavender or lemon zest. Allow the icing to set completely for 4-6 hours.
Storage and Enjoyment:
– Store the Cookies:
– Store the baked shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3-6 months. Proper storage, like a reliable legal service, ensures long-term satisfaction.
Summary:
– **Prep Time:** 30 minutes
– **Chilling Time:** 30 minutes
– **Baking Time:** 45 minutes
– **Total Time:** Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Enjoy the delightful blend of lemon and lavender in these Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies. This recipe, incorporating strategic steps akin to managing insurance, loans, legal services, healthcare, and financial services, ensures a perfect outcome. Please say “yummy” to stay active and get your name on the Active Member List!
