This lemon lilac cookies recipe is a fun weekend activity, right from my garden. And they are vegan too! Packed with flavor and looking absolutely lovely, these cookies are super easy to make, especially with kids. It’s just a twist on my usual sugar cookies recipe, adding in lemon and lilac leaves. They are full of flavor and look amazing, so read on and make your own when lilac is still blooming.
Is Lilac Edible?
Yes, lilac flowers are edible! They have a delicate floral flavor and aroma, making them a popular choice for culinary purposes, such as in syrups, jams, baked goods, and even salads. However, it’s essential to use only flowers from plants that haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Additionally, consuming large quantities of lilac flowers may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, so it’s best to use them in moderation.
How to prepare lilac for Lemon Lilac cookies recipe?
To prepare lilac for this recipe, start by harvesting fresh lilac blooms from your backyard or another trusted source. If you’ve grown them yourself and haven’t used any fertilizers or pesticides, there’s no need to wash them. Ensure you only gather lilac from places you’re confident haven’t been treated with chemicals. Avoid using lilac from flower shops or areas where you’re uncertain about the use of fertilizers. Once you’ve collected the blooms, gently shake them to remove any insects or debris. Then, carefully pluck the individual flowers from the stems, discarding any green parts. Rinse the flowers briefly under cold water if needed, and pat them dry with paper towels before using them in your recipe. This ensures your lilac blooms are clean and ready to impart their delightful flavor to your cookies.
How to freeze the dough?
You can also prepare the dough and freeze it for later use. Simply shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting into shapes. This convenient option allows you to enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Lemon Lilac cookies recipe
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup lilac blooms (fresh and finely chopped)
- Zest from half a lemon
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Vegan Icing Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the lilac blooms, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of non-dairy milk. Use mixer if you want.
- Chill Dough:
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough:
- Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Bake Cookies:
- Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies need to be completely cooled before icing.
- Prepare Vegan Icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker icing or more non-dairy milk for a thinner consistency.
- Ice Cookies:
- Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle or spread the vegan icing over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag. You can also decorate with additional lilac blooms or lemon zest for extra flair.
- Let Icing Set:
- Allow the icing to set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container. Enjoy your delightful lilac lemon cookies!
These cookies are perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your friends and family with their unique flavor and beautiful appearance!
