Description

Experience a unique flavor adventure with these Heavenly Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies. Combining the earthy vibrancy of culinary-grade matcha powder with the delicate floral notes of lavender-infused frosting, these soft and tender cookies offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies. Perfect for tea time or special occasions, their lightly colored frosting adds an aesthetic charm that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

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
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)

Instructions

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 flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder to combine all dry elements evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, providing a tender crumb.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough is formed, taking care not to overmix.
Shape Dough: Form the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and flatten each slightly to ensure even baking.
Chill Dough: Refrigerate the shaped dough balls for about 20 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps maintain the shape during baking.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and tender.
Prepare Lavender Milk: While baking, heat the milk and steep the lavender buds for 4-5 minutes to infuse the floral flavor. Strain to remove the buds.
Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in the lavender-infused milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
Add Color and Frost: If desired, mix in light purple gel food coloring for a charming appearance, then frost the cooled cookies.
Set Frosting: Allow the frosted cookies to set at room temperature before serving to ensure the frosting firms up properly.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce and use vegan butter or margarine.
Matcha powder can be replaced with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Using culinary-grade lavender bud is essential to avoid bitter flavors and ensure safety.
Light salts are recommended to maintain a balanced sodium level and health benefits.
Chilling dough helps maintain cookie shape and improve texture.
The frosting can be customized with different milk substitutes like almond or coconut milk based on dietary preferences.
Cookies are best stored in an airtight container and consumed within 3-4 days for freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: matcha cookies, lavender cookies, sugar cookies, floral frosting, unique dessert, pastel cookies, tea cookies, soft cookies, matcha dessert