Lemon-Lavender Hearts

These cookies were actually filled with lemon curd, but let's keep it simple this time, shall we? Find recipe for just the cookies here in this post; I promise to offer the curd recipe later on!

This really-yummy cookie not only graces Valentines Day, they’re also usually part of my Christmas Cookie Parade, and gifted for other special inspired moments year-round. This foto was taken of those that I offered as love tokens on my birthday one year, to honor dear friends as my gifts!

Even though it’s just a simple, lemony shortbread cookie, the heart cut-outs seem to make them all the more delicious. The sugar sprinkle with lavender is strictly optional, but highly recommended as a really special-added touch!

If offered as a gift, why not let your person(s) know how really loved they are?

Lemon-Lavender Hearts

½ cup (1 cube) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup white sugar

2 large egg yolks

Zest and juice of one fresh lemon

½ tsp pure vanilla extract

¼ tsp almond extract, optional

1½ cups flour

¼ tsp salt

Divine Lemon-Lavender Sprinkle Sugar, recipe below

Powdered sugar, to finish

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, lemon zest and juice, and extract(s).

Gently mix flour and salt and add to mixture, just until blended, do not overmix. Shape dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.

Make Divine Lemon-Lavender Sprinkle Sugar while dough chills:

In small blender or food processor, combine the following:

Zest of one small lemon

2 Tbsp turbinado sugar

1/2 tsp dried lavender (culinary grade)

Pulse quickly, just to crush the lavender a bit. Use as directed in recipe.

Preheat oven to 375F, and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll cookie dough out to 1/8-inch thickness, and with small heart cookie cutter, cut into hearts.  Place cutouts on baking sheets one inch apart.

Sprinkle with prepared sugar, and bake for 6-8 minutes until lightly browned on edges.

Allow to cool completely before storing in airtight container or tin. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you wish.

Yields about 3 dozen cookies.