Lilac Sugar Cookies (Print View)
Buttery cookies infused with fresh lilac blossoms for a fragrant spring treat.
# 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
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How-To Steps:
01 - Pulse granulated sugar and fresh lilac blossoms in a food processor until flowers are finely chopped and sugar becomes fragrant with pale purple hue. Set aside for use.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly distributed.
03 - Beat room temperature unsalted butter and prepared lilac sugar in a large bowl until mixture appears light and fluffy in texture.
04 - Add large egg and vanilla extract to butter mixture, beating until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
06 - Divide dough in half and shape into discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
08 - Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
09 - Arrange 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 Hints:
01 -
- The delicate floral perfume wafting through your kitchen while these bake is absolutely intoxicating
- These cookies capture an entire season in a single bite, like eating spring itself
02 -
- Overbaking these ruins the delicate floral balance, so trust me when I say barely golden is perfect
- The chilling step is absolutely essential or your cookies will spread into sad, thin puddles
03 -
- Double wrap the dough if freezing it for more than a few days to prevent any off flavors from the freezer
- The floral sugar can be made in large batches when lilacs are abundant and saved for later use