Lemon Lavender Sandwich Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cookies

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ For the Lavender Buttercream Filling

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, finely ground
12 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - A few drops of purple food coloring (optional)

→ Garnish

15 - Thin lemon slices
16 - Fresh lavender sprigs

# Instructions:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
08 - Gradually add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until fully incorporated.
09 - Mix in the ground culinary lavender, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of purple food coloring for a lovely lavender hue.
10 - Continue to beat the mixture until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
11 - Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous layer of lavender buttercream onto the flat side of half the cookies.
12 - Place another cookie on top, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
13 - Pipe a small swirl of lavender buttercream on the top of each assembled sandwich cookie for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.
14 - Decorate the top of each cookie with a thin lemon slice and a fresh lavender sprig for an elegant touch.

# Notes:

01 - Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to prevent the buttercream from melting.
02 - Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender that is safe for consumption.