Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread Biscuits Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking to elevate your baking game with a delightful twist on a classic treat, then you absolutely have to try Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits!

The buttery richness of shortbread paired with the delicate floral notes of lavender creates a unique and memorable flavor experience. Mary Berry’s recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys a sweet, fragrant treat with just the right balance of sweetness and subtle herby undertones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these biscuits are surprisingly simple to make, and they make for a lovely gift or a luxurious addition to your afternoon tea. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll be hooked!

Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits

To make Mary Berry’s delightful Lavender Shortbread Biscuits, you’ll need a handful of basic baking ingredients, along with the unique addition of lavender to elevate the flavor. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Plain Flour (all-purpose flour) – 225g (about 1¾ cups): This is the base of your shortbread and gives it the light, crumbly texture that shortbread is famous for. Using plain flour ensures the right balance of texture, as it doesn’t contain any raising agents that could alter the density of the dough.

2. Cornflour (cornstarch) – 75g (about ⅓ cup): Cornflour is what gives shortbread its melt-in-your-mouth crumbly consistency. It softens the texture of the dough and helps the biscuits maintain their delicate, powdery feel.

3. Butter – 200g (about 7 oz), unsalted: The unsalted butter is the heart of any good shortbread. It’s crucial to use quality butter here, as the richness it brings to the dough helps develop that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ensure the butter is at room temperature to make the mixing process smoother.

4. Caster Sugar – 100g (about ½ cup): Caster sugar, which is a finer sugar than granulated, dissolves easily into the dough. It creates the right level of sweetness without making the biscuits overly sugary. It also contributes to the biscuit’s delicate crispness.

5. Dried Lavender Flowers – 1-2 teaspoons (depending on your taste): The star of this recipe, lavender adds a fragrant, slightly floral note that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter. When using lavender, it’s important to opt for food-grade lavender, as regular lavender from the garden may contain pesticides or other chemicals.

6. Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon: Although lavender is the main flavor, a touch of vanilla adds depth to the biscuits, balancing the floral notes and enhancing the overall flavor profile. It also complements the sweetness of the sugar.

7. A Pinch of Salt: While optional, a small amount of salt can enhance the flavors and bring balance to the sweetness and floral notes.

With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating a batch of fragrant and delicious lavender shortbread biscuits that are sure to impress.

Equipment Needed

When it comes to making Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits, the right tools can help you get the best results. Here’s a list of equipment that will make the process easier:

1. Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining the butter, sugar, flour, and lavender. It needs to be spacious enough to allow easy mixing without spilling ingredients.

2. Electric Mixer (optional): While you can mix the dough by hand, using an electric hand mixer can save time and effort. It’s particularly useful for creaming the butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth consistency before adding the dry ingredients.

3. Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is necessary to roll out the dough evenly, giving the shortbread biscuits their uniform thickness. Aim for a dough thickness of about ½ inch for the best results.

4. Baking Tray: A flat baking tray or sheet is ideal for baking the shortbread biscuits. Make sure to line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking.

5. Cookie Cutters: While you can shape the shortbread by hand, using cookie cutters (round or any shape of your choice) will give your biscuits a professional, uniform appearance. A round cutter typically works best for this recipe.

6. Cooling Rack: After baking, it’s important to allow the biscuits to cool on a wire rack. This ensures air circulates around the biscuits, preventing them from becoming soggy and helping them firm up to the perfect texture.

7. Tea Strainer (optional): If you’re using dried lavender flowers, a tea strainer can be handy to sift out any large, unbroken pieces before mixing them into the dough. This ensures that the lavender is evenly distributed throughout the biscuits.

Having all the necessary equipment will ensure that your shortbread biscuits turn out as beautifully as they look in the recipe photos!

How To Make Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits

Making Lavender Shortbread Biscuits is surprisingly simple, especially if you follow the steps methodically. Here’s how to make these scrumptious treats, with a focus on details to guide you through the process:

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), or 140°C (280°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to ensure your biscuits don’t stick during baking. It’s essential to get the oven temperature just right because shortbread needs to bake slowly to avoid becoming too brown or crunchy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift the plain flour and cornflour together to remove any lumps. Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness later on. Set this bowl aside for now.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or mix by hand with a wooden spoon. This step is crucial for creating the tender texture of the shortbread. It should be light and fluffy when done.

4. Add the Lavender and Vanilla: Add the dried lavender flowers and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. If you prefer a more subtle lavender flavor, you can start with just one teaspoon of lavender and adjust the amount to taste. The vanilla adds a lovely balance to the floral notes.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients (flour and cornflour) to the butter mixture, a little at a time. Stir gently until the dough begins to come together. It will likely be crumbly at first, but keep mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. If necessary, you can use your hands to bring it all together.

6. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Shortbread dough is quite forgiving, but try not to overwork it to maintain its delicate texture.

7. Cut the Biscuits: Use a round or your preferred shape of cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Carefully place each shaped biscuit on the prepared baking tray. Make sure they are spaced apart, as they’ll spread slightly as they bake, though not much.

8. Chill the Dough: For best results, pop the tray of biscuits in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the biscuits hold their shape during baking and ensures that they stay crisp.

9. Bake the Biscuits: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the biscuits begin to turn a light golden brown. The key to shortbread is low, slow baking – this ensures they remain soft inside with a crisp exterior.

10. Cool and Serve: Once the biscuits are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips For Perfect Lavender Shortbread Biscuits

1. Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: The key to making perfect shortbread is using high-quality butter, as it directly impacts the flavor and texture. Always opt for unsalted butter for greater control over the taste.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing, try not to overwork the dough. Over-handling will result in tough biscuits. The dough should be gently mixed to combine the ingredients.

3. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step!

   Chilling the dough helps the biscuits keep their shape during baking and ensures they turn out with that perfect crumbly texture.

4. Adjust the Lavender to Taste: Lavender can vary in intensity, so if you’re unsure about how much to add, start with a smaller amount and taste the dough. You can always add more to suit your preferences.

5. Storage: Store your shortbread biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so feel free to double the recipe and freeze half for a later treat!

Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits are a charming twist on a classic recipe, adding the aromatic and refreshing essence of lavender to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional shortbread. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful attention to detail, you can create biscuits that are not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, gifting them to a friend, or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these lavender-infused shortbread biscuits are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With these expert tips and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have everything you need to bake like a pro. Happy baking!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits

Mary Berry’s classic lavender shortbread biscuits are a delightful treat, combining the rich, buttery texture of shortbread with the floral, aromatic notes of lavender. While the original recipe is perfection on its own, there are several easy variations you can try to give your biscuits a personalized twist. Below are some simple ideas to elevate this already sophisticated treat.

1. Lemon And Lavender Shortbread

A popular pairing with lavender is lemon. The citrusy zing of lemon complements the subtle floral notes, creating a bright, refreshing balance.

To incorporate lemon into your shortbread, add the zest of one lemon to the dough along with the lavender. You can also drizzle a light lemon glaze over the cooled biscuits for an added burst of flavor. The lemon zest adds a fresh, aromatic layer that enhances the lavender’s floral notes, creating a wonderfully balanced biscuit.

2. Chocolate-Dipped Lavender Shortbread

For those who enjoy the marriage of chocolate and floral flavors, consider dipping your lavender shortbread biscuits in dark or milk chocolate. Melt a bar of your favorite chocolate and dip half of each biscuit, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them on parchment paper to set.

The rich chocolate perfectly balances the light, buttery texture and the floral aroma, making for a decadent treat. You can also sprinkle a few dried lavender buds on top of the chocolate for a gorgeous visual and an extra burst of flavor.

3. Lavender And Almond Shortbread

Almonds and lavender share a delicate, nutty sweetness that works harmoniously in this variation. Simply add a tablespoon of finely ground almonds into the dough or use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a deeper almond flavor. The almonds add an extra richness and slightly crunchy texture to the biscuits, making them a perfect complement to the soft crumb of the shortbread.

4. Lavender And Honey Shortbread

Adding honey to the dough not only sweetens the biscuits but also brings a lovely depth of flavor. Substitute a portion of the sugar with honey (about two tablespoons for every 100 grams of sugar) to create a subtly sweet and fragrant treat.

The honey pairs beautifully with the lavender, making each bite taste like a floral honeycomb. For a more decadent twist, drizzle a little honey over the biscuits after baking for a glossy finish.

5. Lavender And Earl Grey Shortbread

For a tea-inspired variation, you can infuse the dough with Earl Grey tea. Simply steep a teaspoon of loose leaf Earl Grey tea in a tablespoon of boiling water for a minute or two, allowing it to cool.

Add this tea infusion to the shortbread dough along with the lavender. The slightly bitter, citrusy flavor of Earl Grey blends with the lavender to create a refined biscuit with a sophisticated, tea-time appeal.

6. Lavender And Raspberry Shortbread

To add a fruity element, consider mixing dried raspberries or raspberry powder into your dough. The tartness of raspberries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the lavender and the buttery shortbread.

After baking, you can also sandwich two biscuits together with a little raspberry jam for a jammy twist. This variation is perfect for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

When you’ve made a batch of Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits, the last thing you want is for them to lose their delightful texture or flavor. Storing them properly ensures that they stay fresh and maintain their delicious buttery crumble for as long as possible. Here are some best practices to preserve your leftover biscuits:

1. Cool Completely Before Storing

Ensure that your biscuits have cooled completely before storing them. If they are still warm, the moisture can cause them to become soggy or sticky. Let the biscuits sit on a cooling rack for at least an hour to fully dry out, which will preserve their crisp texture.

2. Airtight Containers

The best way to store shortbread biscuits is in an airtight container. This will prevent air from drying them out and preserve their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Choose a container that isn’t too large-this will minimize air exposure. If you have a large batch, consider dividing them into multiple smaller containers to prevent too much air from reaching the biscuits at once.

3. Layering With Parchment Paper

To keep your biscuits from sticking together, layer them between pieces of parchment or wax paper. This is especially important if you are storing biscuits in a container where they may be stacked. The parchment will create a buffer and keep them intact.

4. Store In A Cool, Dry Place

The ideal storage spot for shortbread biscuits is somewhere cool and dry. Avoid placing them in warm or humid areas, as this can cause the biscuits to soften or lose their crispness. A kitchen pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight works well.

5. Freezing For Long-Term Storage

If you have a large batch of biscuits and won’t be able to eat them all in a week or so, freezing is a great option for long-term storage. To freeze lavender shortbread, arrange the cooled biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour.

Once they are frozen solid, transfer them into an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-lock bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

What Goes Well With Lavender Shortbread Biscuits

Lavender shortbread biscuits, with their delicate floral flavor and buttery richness, pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks, fruits, and other treats. Here are some perfect pairings that will elevate your experience:

1. Tea And Coffee

The natural pairing for any shortbread biscuit is, of course, a cup of tea or coffee. The floral notes of lavender complement herbal teas like chamomile or Earl Grey.

A black tea like Darjeeling or Assam also provides a robust contrast to the sweetness of the shortbread. For coffee lovers, a smooth latte or cappuccino works wonderfully, as the creamy milk helps balance the biscuits’ richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing with a lavender-infused tea to enhance the overall floral experience.

2. Fruit

Lavender’s delicate flavor pairs beautifully with fresh, seasonal fruits. Berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, provide a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the shortbread.

The tartness of citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons, also complements the lavender, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. For a more indulgent pairing, serve the biscuits with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit for a mini dessert.

3. Cheese

Lavender shortbread biscuits can also be paired with cheese for a savory-sweet experience. Soft, creamy cheeses like goat cheese, mascarpone, or cream cheese work wonderfully when spread lightly on the biscuits.

For a more adventurous pairing, try them with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or blue cheese. The richness of the cheese contrasts nicely with the buttery, floral flavor of the biscuits, making this a surprising and delightful combination.

4. Ice Cream And Sorbet

Lavender shortbread biscuits can be served with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or sorbet. A classic vanilla ice cream is always a safe bet, but for something a little more unique, try pairing them with lavender, honey, or lemon sorbet. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream or sorbet combined with the crunchy, aromatic shortbread creates an enjoyable contrast that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits are a refined yet simple treat that brings the calming, fragrant essence of lavender into a classic biscuit form. With just a few tweaks, you can customize this recipe to fit your personal taste, whether you’re adding citrus, chocolate, or even tea.

Proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness, ensuring you can savor these delicious biscuits for days (or weeks, if you freeze them!). Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, some fresh fruit, or a dollop of cream, these biscuits offer a versatile and sophisticated treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, why not bake a batch and experiment with these variations to make them your own?.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Required For Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits?

Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits require butter, sugar, plain flour, cornflour, dried lavender flowers, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes also include a small amount of vanilla extract for added flavor.

How Do You Prepare The Lavender For Mary Berry’s Shortbread Biscuits?

For Mary Berry’s recipe, the dried lavender should be finely chopped before being mixed into the dough. This helps release the flavor while avoiding large, overpowering lavender pieces in the biscuits.

Can I Use Fresh Lavender Instead Of Dried For This Shortbread Recipe?

It’s recommended to use dried lavender in Mary Berry’s shortbread biscuits, as fresh lavender can be too strong and may cause the dough to become too moist. If using fresh lavender, you should dry it thoroughly first.

What Type Of Butter Should I Use For Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits?

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter in Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits Ahead Of Time?

Yes, Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. The biscuits can also be stored in an airtight container for several days after baking.

How Do You Shape Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits?

Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits can be shaped by rolling the dough into a log and slicing it into rounds, or you can roll it out and cut shapes using a cookie cutter. Alternatively, you can press the dough into a flat, rectangular shape and score it into squares.

What’s The Best Way To Bake Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits?

Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or 325°F. Bake the shortbread biscuits for about 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as shortbread can quickly become too crisp.

Can I Add Other Flavors To Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits?

While lavender is the key flavor in Mary Berry’s recipe, you can experiment by adding a hint of lemon zest, vanilla, or even a touch of honey. Just be cautious not to overwhelm the delicate lavender flavor.

Why Are Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits So Crumbly?

Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits are meant to be crumbly due to the high butter content and the inclusion of cornflour, which creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If they crumble too much, try adding a little more butter or ensuring you’re not overbaking them.

How Can I Decorate Mary Berry’s Lavender Shortbread Biscuits?

Mary Berry’s lavender shortbread biscuits can be decorated with a simple dusting of icing sugar, or you can dip them in white or dark chocolate for an added touch of elegance. You can also sprinkle a few extra dried lavender buds on top for a beautiful finish.