Lilac Sugar Cookies (Printable Version)
Fragrant lilac-infused sugar cookies with buttery dough and fresh blossoms. A delicate spring dessert ready in 30 minutes.
# What You 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Pulse the sugar and lilac blossoms in a food processor until flowers are finely chopped and sugar becomes fragrant with pale purple hue. Set aside for later use.
02 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended. Set aside.
03 - Beat the softened butter and prepared lilac sugar together in a large bowl until mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
04 - Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Divide dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disc. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
08 - Roll out chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
09 - Place cut cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
10 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These cookies capture spring in a way that feels almost magical, like eating a garden breeze
- The floral flavor is subtle and sophisticated, not overpowering or perfume-like
02 -
- The chilling step is absolutely crucial or your cookies will spread into thin, sad puddles
- Overbaking kills the delicate floral flavor, so pull them out when the centers still look slightly soft
03 -
- If your lilac sugar looks too green, you've probably included too much stem material
- Don't be tempted to add more flowers than the recipe calls for, it can turn bitter