Lilac Sugar Cookies (Print Version)
Buttery cookies infused with fragrant fresh lilac blossoms for a delicate spring dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Floral Sugar
01 - 1 cup granulated sugar
02 - 1/4 cup fresh, pesticide-free lilac blossoms, stems and green parts removed
→ Cookie Dough
03 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
07 - Prepared lilac sugar (from above)
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Pulse the sugar and lilac blossoms in a food processor until the flowers are finely chopped and the sugar becomes fragrant and pale purple. Set aside for later use.
02 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended.
03 - Beat the softened butter and prepared lilac sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing by hand or on low speed just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
06 - Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
07 - Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. The centers should still appear slightly soft.
10 - Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The floral scent fills your entire house while they bake, like someone lit a candle that actually tastes good
- They look impossibly elegant with that subtle purple hue, but the recipe is forgiving enough for beginners
02 -
- Over-processing the lilac blossoms can turn your sugar bitter, so pulse just until combined and visible bits remain
- The dough needs that full hour of chilling or your cookies will spread into thin, crispy wafers instead of holding their shape
03 -
- If your lilac sugar seems too moist after processing, spread it on a plate for 15 minutes before creaming with butter
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even browning, since the floral sugar can caramelize unevenly