Lemon Lavender Shortbread
A tender, citrus infused shortbread cookie is topped with lavender for a unique flavour and crunch. These cookies are especially great when served with orange pekoe or earl grey tea.
Preparation Time:
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
| 1 1/2 cups | unsalted Gay Lea Butter, softened | 375 mL |
| 2/3 cup | granulated sugar | 150 mL |
| 1/4 cup | icing sugar, sifted | 60 mL |
| 2 1/2 cups | all purpose flour, sifted (approx.) | 625 mL |
| 1/2 cup | cornstarch, sifted | 125 mL |
| 1 1/2 tsp | finely grated lemon zest (about ½ lemon) | 7 mL |
| 1/4 cup | coarse sugar | 60 mL |
| 2 tbsp | finely chopped dried lavender | 30 mL |
| 1 | egg white, beaten | 1 |
Instructions:
In a large bowl, beat the butter with the sugar using an electric mixer, for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch and lemon zest. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture; stir until just combined. Form dough into a 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) thick disc; wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Roll dough out, on a lightly floured surface, to be 1/4-inch (5 mm) thick. Cut dough with a 2-inch (5 cm) cookie cutter of any shape. Re-roll scraps and cut additional cookies until all the dough is used. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets; refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine coarse sugar with lavender. Lightly brush cookies with egg white and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Lightly press the tops to ensure the lavender sticks to the dough.
Bake cookies, in batches, for 12 to 15 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Makes 48 cookies.