Delicious Lavender Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the enchanting fusion of flavors with these delightful Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies. A delightful treat that marries the familiar comfort of chocolate chip cookies with a surprising twist of aromatic lavender. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake to golden perfection, promising a delightful sensory experience.

I stumbled upon this Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe during a lavender abundance in my garden, seeking creative ways to incorporate this fragrant herb. The subtle floral notes intertwined with decadent chocolate create a harmonious blend that intrigues the taste buds. From impromptu gatherings to festive occasions, these cookies have become my go-to, eliciting moments of pure delight and culinary contemplation from friends and family alike.

Experience the magic of these Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies as they captivate even the most discerning palates. Elevate your baking game with a touch of floral elegance and surprise your loved ones with a batch of these delightful treats. Let the unexpected charm of lavender transport you to a realm of culinary bliss with each bite.

Quick Benefits

• Unexpected Flavor Combination: The subtle floral notes of lavender paired with rich chocolate create a unique and intriguing taste experience.
• Conversation Starter: The unexpected twist of lavender makes people pause and truly appreciate the flavors instead of mindlessly snacking.
• Versatile Pairings: These cookies pair beautifully with teas like Earl Grey or chamomile, as well as vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: These cookies improve in flavor over time, lasting up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Lavender Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The subtle floral notes of lavender combined with rich chocolate create an unexpected and intriguing flavor profile that will leave your taste buds delighted and wanting more.
• Conversation Starter: The unexpected twist of lavender in these cookies makes people pause and appreciate what they’re eating, sparking conversation and adding a touch of culinary contemplation to your gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: These cookies pair perfectly with tea, ice cream, or as a unique addition to holiday cookie platters, making them a versatile treat for various occasions.
• Loved by Everyone: Even those who claim not to have a sweet tooth or are not keen on desserts will find themselves reaching for more of these lavender chocolate chip cookies, as they have a magical way of intriguing and delighting everyone who tries them.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-Friendly: The dough can be made ahead and frozen for later baking, and the baked cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats anytime.

Ingredients for Delicious Lavender Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies

For the Cookies

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup (170g/6oz) salted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g/8.5oz) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 3/4 cup (155g/5.5oz) light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup (130g/4.5oz) lavender chocolate chips (see notes)
• 3/4 cup (130g/4.5oz) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (50g/1.8oz) granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lavender extract

Optional Toppings

• Extra chocolate chips for pressing into baked cookies
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

How to Make Delicious Lavender Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/gas mark 4) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl, whisking until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Combine the egg, vanilla extract, and lavender extract with the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Combine the flour mixture with the wet ingredients at low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently mix in the lavender chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until evenly combined in the dough.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them 3 inches (7.5cm) apart on the baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges are light golden brown but the center is still soft.

Step 9: Add Toppings and Cool

While the cookies are still warm from baking, gently press a few additional chocolate chips onto the tops and optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips

To store the lavender chocolate chip cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve as they sit, allowing the lavender and chocolate notes to meld together for a more complex taste. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer first, then transfer them to a freezer bag once they are solid. This method ensures that the cookies maintain their texture and flavors for up to 3 months in the freezer. Additionally, the cookie dough can be frozen by scooping it into balls, freezing on a baking sheet, and transferring to a bag. You can bake the cookies straight from frozen, just remember to add about 2 extra minutes to the baking time.

These lavender chocolate chip cookies are versatile and perfect for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. By experimenting with different variations like adding white chocolate chips, dried culinary lavender buds, or peppermint extract, you can create unique twists on the original recipe. The cookies also pair wonderfully with Earl Grey or chamomile tea, vanilla bean ice cream, or as part of a holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re looking for a special treat to share with friends or a delightful dessert to enjoy at home, these cookies offer a delightful blend of familiar and intriguing flavors that are sure to impress your guests and loved ones.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have lavender chocolate chips, you can easily substitute them with white chocolate chips for a visually striking contrast against the regular chocolate chips. To enhance the lavender flavor and add a pop of color, consider adding finely chopped dried culinary lavender buds into the cookie dough. This will not only intensify the lavender notes but also create beautiful purple flecks throughout the cookies, enhancing their visual appeal.

For a festive twist, especially during the holiday season, you can experiment with adding a hint of peppermint extract along with the lavender extract. This unique combination will offer a refreshing take on the traditional chocolate-mint pairing, adding an extra layer of complexity to the cookies. Additionally, if you want to brighten the lavender flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest into the dough. The citrusy notes will complement the floral lavender, creating a more vibrant and dynamic flavor profile in the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try pairing these Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies with a lavender-infused milk or hot chocolate for a truly floral and indulgent experience. The combination of the lavender notes in the cookies with a lavender-infused drink will create a cohesive and aromatic dessert experience that is sure to impress your guests.

Another fun idea is to create an ice cream sandwich using these Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies. Simply sandwich a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in extra chocolate chips for added texture. The contrast of the warm, chewy cookies with the cold, creamy ice cream will create a delightful sensory experience that is perfect for a summer treat or a unique dessert option at your next gathering.

FAQs for Delicious Lavender Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I substitute the lavender extract with fresh lavender from my garden?

Yes, you can substitute the lavender extract with fresh culinary lavender buds. Simply finely chop the buds and mix them into the cookie dough for both flavor and a visually appealing purple fleck.

Can I make these cookies without lavender extract?

While the lavender extract adds a unique flavor to the cookies, you can omit it if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious with just the chocolate chips, and you can consider adding other extracts like almond or mint for a different twist.

How do I store the lavender chocolate chip cookies?

You can keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To store them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, the cookie dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. You can bake the cookies straight from frozen, just remember to add about 2 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

As you embark on your own lavender chocolate chip cookie baking adventure, remember that the magic truly lies in the unexpected combination of floral lavender and rich chocolate. These cookies have the power to surprise and delight even the most discerning of palates, sparking moments of culinary contemplation and genuine appreciation for the flavors at play. Whether shared with friends at a book club meeting or savored alongside a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of lavender and chocolate fill your kitchen as you bake up a batch of these exquisite lavender chocolate chip cookies. Experiment with different variations like adding white chocolate or peppermint for a unique twist, and don’t forget to savor the joy of creating something truly special. These cookies have a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and creating unforgettable memories one delicious bite at a time. Happy baking, and may your home be filled with the sweet scent of Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies!