If you’re looking to add a delightful twist to your cookie repertoire, Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies are the answer! Imagine the familiar comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with the enchanting aroma and subtle floral notes of lavender. Every bite is a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fragrant blooms, making these cookies perfect for everything from cozy tea times to sharing with friends who love a unique treat. Get ready to fall in love with baking all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up a batch of Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies—just a handful of pantry staples and a touch of culinary lavender. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating a fluffy texture to infusing that signature floral note. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to help you bake with confidence.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives your cookies their perfect chew.
- Baking soda: Ensures your cookies puff up just enough for a soft center.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the lovely flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and that irresistible crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Complements both the lavender and chocolate with warm undertones.
- Dried culinary lavender (crushed): The star of the show—be sure to use culinary-grade for the best flavor!
- Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Rich chocolate speckles that pair beautifully with lavender’s floral notes.
How to Make Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will help your Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly and slide right off when they’re done. Prepping your pans first makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any little pockets of salty or flat cookies. Set the bowl aside for now.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated and brown sugars. Don’t rush this step—the longer you mix (about 2–3 minutes), the fluffier your cookies will be. Creaming incorporates air, so your cookies come out light and just the right amount of cakey.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Lavender
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and crushed culinary lavender. The floral aroma will start to shine through at this point, and your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see the last streak of flour disappear.
Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips gently so you don’t deflate the dough. The chocolate brings richness and decadence, balancing the gentle floral of the lavender perfectly.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough (or use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies) onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie—they’ll spread out as they bake. Pop them in the oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are still a touch soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This gives them time to set up, so they stay chewy in the middle. Once cooled, your Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed dried lavender or flaky sea salt over the warm cookies after baking. This not only looks gorgeous but also intensifies the flavor and offers a beautiful contrast to the melty chocolate chips.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea—the floral notes really pop with herbal teas. For dessert platters, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a refreshing treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the (cookie) box by packaging your Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies in pretty tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. For parties, stack them on a tiered cake stand or serve with edible flowers for a whimsical garden party vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and flavorful, and the floral aroma lingers beautifully.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Pop cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls, then bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. The chocolate will melt a bit, and the cookies will taste just-baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
It’s best to stick with dried culinary lavender for baking. Fresh lavender can be too moist and intense, and it’s harder to control the flavor. If you only have fresh, dry it thoroughly and use sparingly.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips are perfect for these cookies, as their rich flavor balances the floral notes. Feel free to mix in milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you want to experiment!
How strong is the lavender flavor?
Lavender should be subtle, not overpowering. Using 1–2 teaspoons allows you to control the intensity. Start with less if you’re new to floral flavors, and taste as you go.
Are Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies safe for kids?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use culinary-grade lavender. Kids usually love the fun twist, but you can dial down the amount of lavender if you’re concerned about sensitive palates.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The results are just as dreamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s both classic and delightfully different, you have to try Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re guaranteed to surprise and charm anyone who takes a bite, whether you’re sharing at a gathering or savoring a quiet moment with tea. Happy baking!
Print
Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with a delicate floral twist of culinary lavender. Soft, chewy, and imbued with fragrant lavender and rich chocolate chips, they make a unique and delightful dessert perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavoring and Mix-ins
- 1–2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender, crushed
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and the crushed culinary lavender to infuse the dough with a subtle floral aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until all the flour is incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Gently fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain slightly soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set perfectly.
Notes
- Use only culinary-grade dried lavender to avoid bitterness; lightly crush with a mortar and pestle for even flavor distribution.
- Optionally, add a tiny drop of lavender extract for a more pronounced floral note.
- These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container and thaw before serving.
- Perfect as a unique gift for friends and family who appreciate floral-flavored treats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
