There’s a certain whimsy in the air when baking these chewy lavender chocolate chip cookies. The delicate aroma of floral lavender dances through my kitchen, mingling with the rich allure of melting chocolate chips. I stumbled upon this delightful pairing during a garden party, where a friend introduced the refreshing note of lavender in baked goods. Intrigued, I decided to try it at home, and let me tell you, the result was nothing short of magical!
These cookies boast perfectly crispy edges that welcome you to a soft, chewy center, and their enchanting flavor will elevate any dessert table. With just a handful of everyday pantry ingredients, this recipe is as simple to prepare as it is impressive to share. Whether you’re looking to transform your cookie game or surprise loved ones with something unique, these lavender chocolate chip cookies are your answer—an effortlessly elegant treat that’s sure to captivate.
Why are Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies special?
Unique Flavor: The delicate sweetness of lavender blends beautifully with rich chocolate, creating an extraordinary taste experience.
Easy to Make: This recipe uses common pantry ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up a delicious treat anytime.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to mix in nuts or swap out extracts to customize your cookie adventure!
A Whimsical Touch: Elevate your baking game with these enchanting cookies that bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; ensure to spoon and level instead of scooping directly to avoid excess.
• Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise; essential for achieving the right texture.
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and chewiness; regular granulated sugar can be used, but will affect flavor and texture.
• Granulated White Sugar – Adds sweetness and aids in browning; no substitutions needed unless adjusting overall sugar content.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients and provides moisture; best at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor profile; can substitute with other extracts if desired.
• Lavender Extract – Infuses cookies with floral notes; homemade lavender chocolate chips can be used for extra lavender flavor.
For the Chocolate Filling
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Provides sweetness and richness; can swap with dark or milk chocolate chips as per preference.
• Lavender Chocolate Chips – Additional lavender flavor; alternatively, use extra semisweet chocolate chips or omit if unavailable.
For Topping
• Flaky Sea Salt – Optional topping to enhance flavor; do not skip for an exquisite finish.
How to Make Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined. Set aside so the dry mix is ready for the wet ingredients.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened salted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will give your cookies that wonderful texture!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lavender extract to the butter-sugar mixture until it becomes pale and fluffy, around 1-2 minutes. This incorporation is key for achieving that chewy cookie center.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies soft and tender.
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Fold in Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and lavender chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Shape Cookies: Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough, rolling them into balls, and space them about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing helps the cookies expand without merging together.
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Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; this is perfect for that chewy texture!
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Cool and Serve: After removing from the oven, optionally sprinkle more chocolate chips on top and a pinch of flaky sea salt for an extra touch. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks for a few minutes before serving.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies are a wonderful choice for meal prep enthusiasts who appreciate the luxury of homemade treats! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’re looking to plan even further ahead, you can freeze the shaped cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough directly on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have fresh, chewy cookies just as delicious as if you’d made them from scratch on the spot, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
How to Store and Freeze Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and chewy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before enjoying.
Cookie Dough: Prepare and scoop cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time for your lavender chocolate chip cookies.
Reheating: Reheat cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their softness and melty chocolate goodness.
What to Serve with Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Indulging in these delicate cookies opens up a world of delightful pairings that can enhance your experience.
- Glass of Milk: A classic favorite, milk complements the rich chocolate while balancing the floral notes beautifully.
- Herbal Tea: Enjoy with a soothing chamomile or mint tea to amplify the calming effects of lavender.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream paired with warm cookies creates a heavenly dessert experience.
- Cheese Platter: Slightly aged cheeses like Brie offer a savory contrast, enhancing the cookie’s sweetness with every bite.
- Lemonade: The zesty brightness of fresh lemonade cuts through the richness of the cookies, refreshing your palate.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness, balancing the sweetness of the lavender chocolate chip cookies.
- White Wine: A glass of bubbly Prosecco or a light Sauvignon Blanc brings out the cookies’ flavors while adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: An extra indulgent touch, drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies elevates their rich chocolatey goodness.
Lavender Chocolate Chip Variations
Feel free to tailor these cookies to your taste; let your creativity shine!
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Flavor Swap: Substitute lavender extract with almond or lemon extract for a fresh twist on flavor. The result will still be delightful, yet completely transformed!
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Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that pairs wonderfully with the chewy texture of the cookies.
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Chocolate Variety: Experiment with different chocolate types; white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips will bring a unique flavor dynamic to your cookies.
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Herbal Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of dried chamomile or rosemary along with the lavender for a fragrant herbal blend that adds depth to each bite.
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Festive Touch: During the holiday season, incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to mix things up. The warm spices will create a cozy aroma that’s simply irresistible.
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Caramel Swirl: Add a swirl of caramel sauce in the dough for pockets of gooey sweetness that complement the floral notes beautifully.
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Extra Crunch: Fold in rolled oats or crushed graham crackers for an adventurous texture that will keep you reaching for more.
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Spicy Kick: For the daring, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to introduce a surprising heat that contrasts with the sweet lavender.
Expert Tips for Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your all-purpose flour instead of scooping directly. This prevents dense cookies and ensures the right texture.
• Don’t Overmix: After combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, detracting from their chewy nature.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking improves the flavor and helps maintain their shape.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips to enhance the richness of your lavender chocolate chip cookies.
• Add a Pinch of Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before baking for an elevated flavor experience that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best lavender for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting lavender, opt for culinary-grade lavender for the best flavor. Look for buds that are vibrant and free from dark spots. Dried lavender should have a sweet, floral aroma. If using extract, check that it’s made from high-quality ingredients without artificial additives.
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How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your lavender chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh and chewy, avoid exposing them to air. For longer-lasting cookies, consider freezing!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Very much so! To freeze baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked experience.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, it may need a little adjustment! Try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to scoop. Additionally, ensure you measured your flour correctly by spooning and leveling it instead of scooping.
Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
It’s important to note that chocolate is toxic for dogs, so keep these lavender chocolate chip cookies away from your furry friends. If anyone has a nut allergy or sensitivity, be cautious with any variations that include nuts and always read ingredient labels carefully.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Simply scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 1-2 minutes to the baking time for a delightful treat whenever the craving strikes!
Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies that Wow with Unique Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened salted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lavender extract until pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and lavender chocolate chips.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough, rolling them into balls, and space them about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- After removing from the oven, sprinkle more chocolate chips on top and flaky sea salt. Allow cooling.