Lavender Shortbread Cookies: A Whisper of Calm in Every Bite
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Updated: May 10
Melting in your mouth, these buttery shortbread cookies carry a light floral note that brings a delightful pause to your day. Infused with lavender, known for its calming effects on the nervous system, they offer a moment of sweet serenity, easing stress and quieting the mind.
In this article, you will learn:
History - Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula spp.), native to the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and parts of Russia, has been cherished for over 2,500 years for its fragrant, therapeutic, and ceremonial uses ⁽¹'²⁾. Renowned for its sweet, floral aroma and wide-ranging applications, lavender was especially valued by the ancient Egyptians, who incorporated it into perfumes, cosmetics, incense, and embalming practices⁽¹'²⁾. When the tomb of Tutankhamun was opened, traces of lavender were reportedly still detectable, underscoring its role in burial rituals⁽²⁾. Linen soaked in lavender oil was used to create mummification casts that, once dried in the sun, became remarkably durable⁽⁴⁾.
In ancient Greece, lavender was referred to as nardus or nard, believed to be one of the sacred herbs used to prepare holy essences. It is even mentioned in the Song of Solomon in the Bible, further highlighting its spiritual significance⁽¹'³⁾.
The Romans are thought to have introduced lavender to the British Isles during their occupation in 55 BC and 43 AD ⁽⁵⁾. Roman soldiers used it in baths, laundry, cooking, and wound care, appreciating its fragrance and medicinal properties ⁽¹'²⁾. Throughout medieval and Renaissance Europe, lavender remained widely used⁽³⁾. In the 12th century, Benedictine nun and herbalist St. Hildegard of Bingen included lavender in her medicinal writings and used it to infuse wine for therapeutic purposes⁽³⁾.
During the 15th century, lavender was commonly used by glove makers, who scented their products with it ⁽³⁾. Anecdotally, they were believed to have some protection from infectious diseases such as plague and cholera⁽³⁾. During the Great Plague of 1665, lavender was employed both prophylactically and therapeutically⁽¹'²⁾. Grave diggers and body handlers washed plague victims in lavender-infused solutions, believing it offered protection from infection⁽¹'²⁾.
By the Victorian era, lavender had become deeply embedded in English culture. Queen Elizabeth I was known to drink lavender tea to ease migraines and favoured lavender perfume, contributing to its popularity⁽¹'²⁾. Lavender was cultivated extensively in England and used in household cleaning, skincare, culinary recipes, and perfumery. Today, it remains one of the most beloved and versatile herbs worldwide⁽¹'²⁾.
Nutrition in Lavender Shortbread
Lavender⁽⁶⁾
Possesses antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and sedative properties
Uplifts mood while promoting emotional strength and vitality
Strengthens and nourishes the nervous system
Contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties
May help improve sleep and reduce insomnia
Vanilla⁽⁷⁾
Possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety properties
Provides a calming effect on the body and mind
Acts as a neuroprotectant, supporting brain health
May enhance mood and reduce stress
More research is needed on the benefits of vanilla
Butter⁽⁸⁾
Good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Vitamin K2, and Vitamin D
Supports eye, skin, and bone health
Contains anti-inflammatory properties
May lower the risk of lung and prostate cancer
High in healthy fats, supporting energy and brain function
Recipe
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
In cooking school, I was taught that it’s easier to make recipes when we gather and pre-measure our ingredients. This concept is called mise en place, which means “everything in its place.” Not only does it make cooking easier, but it also makes it faster and helps you confirm that you have everything you need before you start. Nothing is worse than beginning a recipe only to realize you’re missing an ingredient or don’t have enough of it!
Step 2: Mix, Shape, and Bake
Once everything is measured and ready, I begin by adding the butter to a mixing bowl and whipping it until it becomes light and airy. Then I add the extracts and confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth and fully combined. I scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
Next, I gradually mix in the flour and dried lavender flowers until a soft dough forms. I shape the dough into a disk, place it in an airtight container, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
About 15 minutes before the dough is ready, I preheat the oven. Once chilled, I roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness, cut out the cookies, and bake them for 10 minutes.
After baking, I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to help them firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
I enjoy these delicate lavender shortbread cookies with our Lume Tea Blend they're a perfect pairing for a peaceful moment.
Conclusion
These lavender shortbread cookies are buttery, delicate, and lightly floral with just a hint of sweetness offering a peaceful pause in your day. Perfect for busy individuals, this quick and simple recipe comes together with just a few ingredients. You'll love how easily they bring calm and comfort to your routine!
References:
1. About lavender [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from:
http://www.lavendersense.com/index.php/Lavender/Index
2. Lavender history [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from:
https://hitchinlavender.com/lavender-history/
3. Rondeau K All About Lavender Oil [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.saje.ca/blogs/ingredient-garden/lavender#:~:text=The%20History%20of%20Lavender,such%20as%20plague%20and%20cholera.
4 Hazard S. Lavender monograph [Internet]. Herb Rally [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from:
https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/lavender
5 Classics & ancient history Warwick Classics Network [Internet]. University of Warwick [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/classics/warwickclassicsnetwork/romancoventry/resources/interactions/invasion/#:~:text=The%20Romans%20invaded%20Britain%20a,set%20about%20making%20their%20mark.
6. Lavender [Internet]. Herbal Academy - The Herbarium [cited 2025 Apr 22]. Available from:
https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/lavender/
7. Kubala J. 6 benefits of vanilla extract and vanilla beans [Internet]. Healthline Media; 2021 [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vanilla-extract-benefits#5-May-help-reduce-added-sugar-intake
8.Vanilla: Health benefits and Nutrition [Internet]. WebMD; [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-vanilla
9.Butter: Is it good for you? pros and cons, nutrition information, and more [Internet]. WebMD; [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-butter
