Lilac Sugar Cookies (Printable)
Fragrant spring cookies featuring fresh lilac blossoms and buttery dough
# 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Pulse the sugar and lilac blossoms in a food processor until flowers are finely chopped and sugar becomes fragrant with a 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.
03 - Beat the unsalted butter and prepared lilac sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add the 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 until just combined. 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 until firm.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
08 - Roll out chilled dough on a 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 lightly golden.
10 - Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The subtle floral flavor is unlike anything you'll find in a bakery
- These cookies capture the essence of spring in every bite
02 -
- I once used flowers from a florist shop and they tasted bitter, so always use lilacs from a source you know is chemical-free
- Removing every bit of green stem is tedious but crucial, otherwise you'll end up with a grassy, bitter flavor
03 -
- If your lilacs aren't especially fragrant, add them to the sugar and let it sit overnight in a sealed jar before processing
- A light dusting of plain sugar on top before baking creates a beautiful cracked finish