I finally perfected the recipe for our LOOK OF LOVE Top Votes photo contest winner—Niko, who completely owns Desiree Lenino’s heart and soul! See NIKO in the PET PROJECT SHOWCASE

Just look at him—so handsome in his lavender garden, paired with his very own Lavender Kisses shortbreads… and trust me, they are every bit as dreamy as they sound!

FIND CULINARY DRIED LAVENDER – here on Amazon

I have used both fresh lavender and dried for these in the past and tend to prefer the dried “culinary” version for its concentrated flavor and ease of use. You can adjust the amount you use from 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp. Slightly crush the dry lavender buds to release their fragrant oils…your whole house will smell divine when baking.

And don’t forget to use some of the dried lavender to fill sachets for under the pillow, in dresser drawers or making a lavender tea. Its calming properties are unmatched. Find new brooches HERE while they last

These delicate, buttery bites are pure melt-in-your-mouth magic—perfect for dessert or an elegant teatime treat that feels just a little bit special. But here’s the surprise… they don’t stop at sweet. Pair them with a sharp or bold cheese on your charcuterie board, and suddenly they become something entirely unforgettable.

Feeling adventurous? Swap the lavender for dried rosemary and transform them into a savory, herb-kissed delight with a completely different personality.

Be sure to check the SOOTNOTES in the recipe below for even more creative twists—like a hint of sea salt or a touch of orange zest to make them truly your own.

SHOP THE DOG IN THE KITCHEN BOUTIQUE

Niko’s recipe card makes its debut this week at the shopping link below —alongside matching mugs and potholders, all inspired by his Lavender Kisses moment with much more on the way

NIKOS LAVENDER KISSES

Buttery shortbreads with lavender, lemon & honey make every bite dreamy & creamy with a hint of tongue tingling lemon tangy .

Very versatile with both sweet and savory possibilities

Check the SOOTnotes for fun variations

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp or tsp to taste dried culinary lavender slightly crushed
1/4 tsp salt
Zest of 1 small lemon
2 tbsp honey for brushing
Powdered or regular suger for sprinkles

Instructions

HOW TO MAKE

Preheat oven to 325°F . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in vanilla and lemon zest.
Stir in flour, lavender, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Roll dough into a log (about 2 inches thick), wrap in plastic- chill 30 min.
Slice into 1/4-inch rounds and place on baking sheet.
Brush tops lightly with honey.
Bake 18–20 min until edges are lightly golden.
Dust with a bit of powdered or regular sugar

Notes

Switch out the lemon zest for orange zest for a summery vibe
Try using 1 tsp rosemary to replace the lavender for a savory change of pace
1/2 tsp dried lavender=1 tsp fresh lavender florets, or 1/4 tsp lavender extract
A light sprinkling of seasalt on the honey before baking is amazing
Pair them with a sharp or bold cheese on your charcuterie board
The baked shortbreads freeze well tightly wrapped for up to 3 months
SOOT rates this recipe high on her SNIFF n SNACK meter

Keyword cookie, honey, lavender, lemon, shortbread

Recipe – NIKO’S LAVENDER KISSES-shortbreads