Lilac Sugar Cookies (Print Version)
Buttery cookies infused with fragrant lilac blossoms for a delicate spring treat.
# 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 (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
07 - Prepared lilac sugar
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 is fragrant with pale purple hue. Set aside for use.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly distributed.
03 - Beat butter and prepared lilac sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
06 - Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut shapes using cookie cutters.
09 - Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just golden.
10 - Let cookies rest on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The floral perfume is subtle but unforgettable, unlike anything you can buy at a bakery
- These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can preserve spring for months
02 -
- Overprocessing the flowers turns the sugar bitter, so pulse just until combined
- The chilling step is what keeps these cookies from spreading into thin, sad puddles
03 -
- Double the floral sugar and keep the extra in a jar for sprinkling on oatmeal or fruit
- If lilacs are not in season, violets work beautifully using the exact same method