Use culinary lavender only and crush it very finely; large buds can taste perfumey and bitter.
A gentle lemon-lavender aroma flavors these small pressed buttons, finished with a thin lemon glaze that dries to a crisp shell.
The recipe card lists measured ingredients, numbered steps, storage guidance, and a nutrition estimate when available. Total time includes the listed preparation, rest, baking, and cooling periods for this recipe.
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Lemon Lavender Pressed Shortbread Buttons Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- mixer
- mortar
- baking sheets
- parchment
- flat-bottom glass
- pastry brush
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Prepare the ingredients: Crush culinary lavender finely and rub with lemon zest into sugar.
Make the dough or filling
- Make the dough or filling: Beat with butter, then mix in flour and salt.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Roll 24 balls and press each with a floured glass base.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Chill 20 minutes and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 14–17 minutes.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Cool completely.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Whisk glaze sugar with lemon juice to a thick consistency; brush a thin coat and let dry several hours.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Zest only the bright outer peel before rubbing it into sugar.
Technique & texture
Press each button evenly to prevent thick centers and thin, overbaked edges.
Finishing & serving
Keep the lemon glaze thin and allow it to dry fully before storing.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 4 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 4 days once glaze dries. |
| Refrigeration | As described | No refrigeration needed. moisture softens the glaze. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze shaped, unglazed buttons up to 1 month. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze baked cookies before glazing up to 2 months. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw fully, apply glaze and dry completely before packing. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I omit the lavender?
Yes; use lemon zest alone for a straightforward citrus button.
Why does the glaze remain sticky?
It may be too thickly applied or the room humid; add sugar and allow a longer drying time.
Can ornamental lavender be used?
Use food-grade culinary lavender with a reliable ingredient source.
Browse more cookie ideas in the Christmas Shortbread Cookies collection.
