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
Scale
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
