Lavender is more than just a pretty plant; it can add a unique flavor to your cooking. Discover 6 delicious lavender recipes that will inspire you to try cooking with this fragrant herb. From sweet desserts to savory dishes, lavender can elevate your meals in surprising ways.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Using culinary lavender brings a delightful twist to traditional recipes. You can infuse your drinks, enhance your baked goods, or even create fragrant sauces. Each lavender recipe will guide you through easy steps, making it simple to incorporate lavender into your kitchen.
Get ready to explore the many ways you can use lavender in your cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these recipes will help you enjoy the wonderful taste and aroma of lavender.
Related Recipe: Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe
The Basics of Cooking with Lavender
Cooking with lavender can add unique flavors and aromas to your dishes. Knowing how to select and prepare lavender is key to getting the best results in your recipes.
Selecting the Right Lavender
When choosing lavender for cooking, look for culinary grade varieties. These are often labeled as Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender.
Avoid ornamental types, as they may have chemicals that aren’t safe for eating. The flowers should be vibrant and fresh.
You can find dried lavender at herb shops, farmers’ markets, or online. Smell the lavender before buying to ensure it’s fresh.
Using lavender in combination with other herbs like thyme can also enhance flavors.
Preparing Dried Lavender for Culinary Use
Before using dried lavender in your recipes, give it a rinse to remove any dust. Make sure to use only the flower buds, as they have the best flavor.
You can crush or finely chop the buds to release their essential oils. This will help you achieve a stronger taste in your dishes.
A common measurement is 1 teaspoon of dried lavender for every cup of liquid.
Always start with less, as lavender can be strong. Adjust according to your personal taste. Try adding lavender to baked goods, teas, or savory dishes for an interesting twist.
Related Recipe: Lavender Brownies: A Sweet Escape in Every Bite
Sweet Treats and Baked Goods
Lavender adds a unique flavor to sweet treats and baked goods. You can use it in cakes, cookies, and even frostings. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Lavender Infused Baking
Incorporating lavender into your baked goods can transform ordinary recipes. Start by making lavender sugar, which you can create by blending granulated sugar with dried lavender.
Lavender Sugar Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds
Instructions:
Prepare the Lavender: If using dried lavender buds, ensure they are culinary grade and free from pesticides. You can lightly crush them with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release more flavor.
Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the crushed lavender buds. Stir well to evenly distribute the lavender throughout the sugar.
Infuse the Sugar: For a stronger lavender flavor, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and let it sit for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Store: Store the lavender sugar in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. It can last for several months.
Use: Use lavender sugar in baking, as a sweetener for tea or lemonade, or to sprinkle on desserts for an aromatic touch.
Lavender Scones Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the culinary lavender buds.
Related Recipe: Lavender Tea Bread
In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a round cutter to shape the scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet.
If desired, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the scones for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.
Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey!
Lavender Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lavender buds. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help it come together.
Related Recipe: Chilled Lavender Iced Tea: A Refreshing Floral Delight
Roll the dough into small balls or use a cookie scoop to portion out the biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can dust the biscuits with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your fragrant lavender biscuits with tea or as a delightful snack!
Decadent Lavender Desserts
Lavender desserts can be both elegant and delicious. Think about making lavender buttercream: beat together unsalted butter, lavender sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. This frosting pairs beautifully with cupcakes or layer cakes.
Lavender Buttercream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Begin by infusing the butter with lavender. In a small saucepan, gently heat the butter over low heat until it melts.
Add the culinary lavender buds and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, strain the butter through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds.
In a mixing bowl, beat the infused butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Once incorporated, increase the speed and beat until smooth.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If the buttercream is too thick, you can add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Once the buttercream is ready, you can use it to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Enjoy the delightful floral flavor of your lavender buttercream!
Lavender Flavor Pairings
Lavender pairs well with many flavors, enhancing your treats. Here are some good combinations:
- Honey: Mix honey with lavender for a sweet drizzle over baked goods.
- Lemon: Lemon and lavender make a delightful duo in cookies or cakes.
- Vanilla: Combine lavender with vanilla extract for a rich frosting or cake flavor.
- Berries: Blueberries and lavender in a tart create a lovely balance of sweet and floral.
These pairings help bring out the best in your baked goods, making your treats extra special. Feel free to experiment to discover your favorite combinations!
Creamy Lavender Delights
You can create delightful treats using lavender in creamy desserts. Lavender adds a unique floral flavor that makes desserts stand out. Here are two delicious ideas you can try.
Lavender Ice Cream Fundamentals
Making lavender ice cream is a wonderful way to enjoy its flavor.
Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and lavender buds. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened. Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled.
Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Crafting Lavender Milk Based Desserts
Besides ice cream, you can use lavender in milk-based desserts like lavender cupcakes.
Lavender Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lavender Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (optional, for garnish)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried lavender. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If desired, mix in a teaspoon of dried lavender for added flavor.
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the lavender frosting using a piping bag or a knife.
Optionally, sprinkle a few dried lavender buds on top of the frosted cupcakes for decoration. Serve and enjoy your delicious lavender cupcakes!
Baking with lavender offers a wonderful opportunity to elevate your treats with a unique floral flavor that is both enchanting and delicious. From lavender-infused cupcakes to fragrant biscuits and aromatic scones, the possibilities for lavender recipes are endless.
As you explore these lavender recipes, don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of lavender to find the perfect balance that suits your palate. The subtle, soothing aroma of lavender not only enhances the taste but also creates a delightful sensory experience in your kitchen.
So, gather your ingredients, embrace your creativity, and indulge in the magic of baking with lavender. Your baked goods are sure to impress and bring a touch of elegance to any occasion!
Follow my lavender board on Pinterest.
In case you missed it: