Flora Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to capture the essence of a blooming garden in a bite, Flora Cookies are your new must-try treat. These delicate, buttery cookies are flecked with edible flowers and kissed with a whisper of vanilla and rose or orange blossom water, creating a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, looking for a show-stopping edible gift, or simply want to bring a little magic to your afternoon snack, Flora Cookies promise to charm everyone who tries them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your Flora Cookies ingredients is a joyful step, with each component playing its own unique role in the cookie’s flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Every item in this recipe works together to create a treat that’s both beautiful and deliciously memorable.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The rich base for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds classic sweetness and helps the cookies achieve just the right crispness around the edges.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Lends a smooth texture and subtle sweetness, making the cookies extra delicate.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the dough together for a cohesive, scoopable texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic vanilla notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Forms the structural backbone of the cookies, keeping them light yet sturdy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Gives the cookies their signature tender crumb and delicate bite.
- Edible Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the dried flowers.
- Finely Chopped Edible Dried Flowers (1/4 cup): The visual and flavor highlight—try rose petals, lavender, or chamomile for a fragrant, colorful effect.
- Extra Dried Flowers or Flower Petals (for garnish): Pressed on top before baking, these transform every cookie into a tiny edible bouquet.
How to Make Flora Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything set up from the start makes the cookie shaping process a breeze, and parchment ensures easy removal and even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is essential for creating airy Flora Cookies with that irresistible, tender bite.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavors
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of edible rose or orange blossom water. This infuses the dough with lovely floral undertones and helps everything come together smoothly.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms—don’t overmix, or the cookies could turn out tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Edible Flowers
Gently fold in the finely chopped edible dried flowers. Each stir transforms your dough into a colorful, fragrant tapestry, hinting at the garden-inspired magic to come.
Step 6: Shape and Decorate the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, then press a few extra flower petals onto the tops for that signature Flora Cookies look.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack so they finish cooling and reach peak crisp-tender perfection.
How to Serve Flora Cookies
Garnishes
The prettiest way to serve Flora Cookies is with a sprinkling of extra edible petals or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can even drizzle them with a simple lemon glaze for a glossy, zesty finish that enhances the floral notes.
Side Dishes
Pair Flora Cookies with a pot of herbal tea, fresh berries, or delicate finger sandwiches for the ultimate afternoon tea spread. Their gentle floral flavors complement light, refreshing accompaniments beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Flora Cookies on a vintage cake stand, tuck them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifts, or stack them in a pretty tin with parchment between layers. For a whimsical touch at parties, serve them on a bed of fresh, unsprayed flower petals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Flora Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Their flavor and texture stay delightful, especially if you place a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Flora Cookies freeze exceptionally well—just pop cooled cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
If you’d like to refresh your Flora Cookies after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm them for a minute in a low oven (about 300°F). This brings back their tender texture and releases those dreamy floral aromas.
FAQs
Can I use any type Dessert
Absolutely! Just make sure your flowers are food-grade and free from pesticides. Rose petals, lavender, and chamomile are classic choices, but violets, calendula, or even marigold petals work beautifully too.
Is the rose or orange blossom water essential?
It’s optional, but highly recommended for the signature aroma that sets Flora Cookies apart. If you skip it, the cookies will still be lovely and floral thanks to the dried flowers.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking so it’s easy to work with.
How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Be sure your butter isn’t overly soft or melted, and don’t skip the chilling step if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their pretty shape and keeps the flowers visible on top.
Are Flora Cookies suitable for gifting?
They’re perfect for gifts! Their stunning appearance and unique flavor make them a memorable treat for birthdays, bridal showers, or just-because surprises. Pack them in a pretty box lined with parchment for a beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing Flora Cookies—they’re a sweet way to bring a bit of nature’s beauty into your kitchen and onto your table. If you’re ready for a treat that’s as lovely as it is delicious, I hope you’ll give these cookies a try and discover why they’re an all-time favorite!
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Flora Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Flora Cookies are delicate, buttery shortbread cookies infused with the subtle flavors of edible dried flowers like rose petals, lavender, and chamomile. Lightly sweetened and scented with vanilla and optional rose or orange blossom water, these charming cookies are perfect for tea parties, spring celebrations, or as delightful edible gifts.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon edible rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped edible dried flowers (such as rose petals, lavender, or chamomile)
Garnish
- Extra dried flowers or flower petals for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, along with the optional edible rose water or orange blossom water, to infuse the dough with delicate floral flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to evenly distribute the dry components before adding them to the wet mixture.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Then fold in the finely chopped edible dried flowers carefully to keep their texture intact.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Flatten and Garnish: Slightly flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass and press a few extra dried flower petals onto the cookie tops for an elegant decorative touch.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked without losing their delicate structure.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and set.
Notes
- Use only food-grade dried flowers free from pesticides to ensure safety.
- These cookies make a lovely addition to tea parties, spring celebrations, or as unique edible gifts.
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a light lemon glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
