Discover the magic of lavender cookies and treat yourself
Lavender Cookies - A Fragrant Treasure That Delights More Than Just the Taste Buds
When you hear "lavender," most people imagine vast purple fields in southern France and its intoxicating scent that can calm both mind and body. But lavender is not just a beautiful decoration or a perfume ingredient. In the kitchen, it becomes an unexpected ally for preparing fragrant desserts. Lavender cookies are a perfect example of how this herb can transform ordinary pastry into a small gastronomic experience.
The Magic of Lavender in the Kitchen
The use of lavender in gastronomy has a long tradition. As far back as ancient Rome, it was used to flavor wines and sweets. Today, it can be found in French cuisine under the well-known mix "Herbes de Provence," but it has also found its place in modern baking. The great advantage of lavender is its distinctive aroma and mildly sweet taste with hints of citrus and herbs, which pairs excellently with sweets.
However, it is important to be cautious. Lavender is potent, and if overused, it can leave the cookies with a bitter taste. It is ideal to use dried lavender flowers intended for consumption, preferably organic, to avoid pesticides and other chemicals.
Why Bake Lavender Cookies?
Lavender cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds. Their scent has literally therapeutic effects. Studies published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology show that the scent of lavender can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote better sleep. Imagine treating yourself to a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon and a delicate cookie that smells like a summer meadow. Doesn't that sound like the perfect way to slow down and momentarily forget the hustle and bustle of daily life?
Moreover, if you decide to use spelt flour, you'll elevate the cookies even further. Spelt is an ancient grain rich in fiber, vitamins of the B group, and minerals. Compared to regular wheat flour, it has a milder, slightly nutty flavor and is more digestible.
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Recipe for Lavender Cookies
If the idea of baking homemade lavender cookies tempts you, there is no need to fear complex procedures. On the contrary, the simplicity of the recipe allows the most important elements to shine – the fragrance and taste of lavender.
What you'll need:
- 200 g of spelt all-purpose flour
- 100 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 80 g of cane sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of dried edible lavender flowers
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- a pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and mix again.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Finally, stir in the lavender.
- Wrap the finished dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm and cut shapes as desired.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
The result will be cookies that are slightly crisp, mildly sweet, and will literally fill your home with fragrance.
How to Further Enhance the Cookies?
One way to customize lavender cookies to your taste is by combining lavender with other ingredients. For example, lemon zest works wonderfully, enhancing the floral tones and giving the cookies a refreshing touch. A popular variant is also adding pieces of white chocolate, which lends the cookies an even more delicate flavor.
For more festive occasions, the finished cookies can be decorated with a light lemon glaze or sprinkled with a bit of lavender sugar, which you can easily make by mixing fine cane sugar with dried lavender flowers.
Is Spelt Flour Really the Better Choice?
In recent years, there has been growing interest in alternative types of flour, and spelt is justifiably coming to the forefront. Spelt flour contains more proteins and minerals than regular wheat flour and has a lower gluten content, making it a more suitable choice for those with a mild sensitivity to gluten. Additionally, its natural processing without chemical alterations aligns with the philosophy of an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.
The story of Mrs. Marie from a small village near Brno shows how spelt flour can become part of everyday baking. "I started using spelt because I wanted to eat healthier. But I discovered that not only is spelt flour healthier, it's also tastier. Today, I can't imagine baking Christmas cookies any other way than with spelt," she explains with a smile.
Be Inspired and Bake with Joy
Lavender cookies aren't just another recipe to add to your collection. They are a small ritual of slowing down, a moment when the kitchen fills with soothing scents and the mind frees itself from stress. If you're looking for a way to brighten your day, try this combination – lavender and spelt flour.
Moreover, homemade cookies can be a beautiful gift for your loved ones. Nicely wrapped in recycled paper with a handwritten note, they will delight anyone who appreciates something made with love.
Whether you bake them for yourself, your family, or your friends, lavender cookies with spelt flour will become a small piece of joy that you can indulge in whenever you need to warm your soul. After all, who could resist a homemade cookie scented with summer?
