Lilac Sugar Cookies (Print Version)

Buttery cookies infused with fragrant fresh lilac blossoms for a delicate floral sweetness.

# 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
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# 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 later use.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended. Set aside.
03 - Beat unsalted butter and prepared lilac sugar in a large bowl until mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
06 - Divide dough into two equal portions, shape into flat discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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 brown.
10 - Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before storing or serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These cookies capture the delicate perfume of lilac season in every bite
  • The floral sugar creates a subtle fragrance that feels elegant without being overpowering
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is not optional with these cookies, they will spread too much and lose their delicate texture
  • The pale purple color from the flowers will bake out, leaving only the fragrance behind
03 -
  • Work quickly when rolling out the dough, as the butter can soften and make the cookies lose their shape
  • If you do not have a food processor, simply rub the flowers into the sugar with your fingers

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