Heavenly Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Heavenly Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies combine a unique blend of earthy matcha and fragrant culinary lavender, creating a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies. Soft, tender, and beautifully frosted with lavender-infused buttercream, these cookies offer a sophisticated flavor experience perfect for tea time or special occasions.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (Added for tenderness.)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (Check for freshness.)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional for a denser cookie.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Use light salts for health.)
- 2 tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder (Can substitute with cocoa powder.)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Can use margarine or vegan butter.)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (Coconut sugar is a substitute.)
- 1 large egg (For vegan option, use 1/4 cup applesauce.)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (Plain yogurt or buttermilk works too.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (No substitutes recommended.)
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar (Syrup can be an alternative.)
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream (Almond or coconut milk can be substituted.)
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds (Ensure it’s culinary grade.)
- Light purple gel food coloring (Optional for aesthetic charm.)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and culinary-grade matcha powder until thoroughly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and evenly blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a thick cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Form Dough Balls: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, form balls and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon.
- Chill Dough: Place the baking sheets with dough balls in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking and enhances texture.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the chilled cookies for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, achieving a tender bite.
- Prepare Lavender Milk: While cookies bake, heat the milk or heavy cream and steep the culinary lavender buds for 4-5 minutes to infuse flavor, then strain out the buds.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy. Gradually mix in the lavender-infused milk to create a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Add Color and Frost: If desired, blend in light purple gel food coloring for visual appeal. Frost the cooled cookies using a knife or piping bag.
- Set Frosting: Allow the frosted cookies to set at room temperature before serving, ensuring the frosting firms slightly for the best texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- To make vegan cookies, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce and use vegan butter or margarine.
- The baking soda is optional and adds slight density; omit if you prefer lighter cookies.
- Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender buds to avoid any bitterness or toxicity.
- Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading and helps cookies retain shape.
- Lavender frosting adds a delicate floral note; adjust the amount to taste.
- Cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keywords: matcha cookies, lavender cookies, sugar cookies, floral frosting, unique sugar cookie recipe, baked cookies, matcha dessert, lavender dessert