As I pulled the tray of freshly baked Lavender Biscuits from the oven, the kitchen filled with an enchanting floral aroma that transported me to sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s garden. These biscuits, infused with culinary lavender and buttermilk, beautifully merge the nostalgia of classic comfort food with a unique twist that your taste buds will adore. With their tender, flaky texture, they make an exceptional breakfast option or a whimsical addition to any dessert spread. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them a crowd-pleaser that impresses without the fuss. Are you ready to venture into the world of these delightful Lavender Biscuits and elevate your homemade baking game?
Why are Lavender Biscuits so special?
Unique Flavor: These biscuits blend the nostalgic taste of buttermilk with floral notes from culinary lavender, creating a delightful twist.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them perfect for those busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Palate: Enjoy them warm with butter or honey, or pair them alongside your favorite tea, making them suitable for various occasions.
Impress Others: Their light, airy texture and enchanting aroma will surely impress your friends and family, making you the star of any brunch.
Adjustable Ingredients: With thoughtful substitutions for buttermilk and sugar, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs while still enjoying delicious results. Get ready to indulge in these charming Lavender Biscuits that are sure to impress!
Lavender Biscuit Ingredients
Delve into the world of homemade Lavender Biscuits with this essential ingredient list.
For the Biscuit Dough
• Sugar – Provides sweetness; for a lower glycemic option, substitute with coconut sugar.
• Dried Lavender – Adds floral flavor; ensure it is culinary lavender, or use 1 tsp lavender paste if needed.
• Flour – Provides structure; all-purpose flour is best for a tender biscuit.
• Baking Powder – Essential for leavening; do not substitute with baking soda alone for optimal rise.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; sea salt offers a more nuanced taste.
• Baking Soda – Works with buttermilk’s acidity for leavening, ensuring height and lightness.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; keep it cold for flakiness, or use margarine as a substitute.
• Buttermilk – Creates moisture and a slight tang; a quick substitute is 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice.
For Topping
• Coarse Sugar – Adds sweetness and a delightful crunch, optional for a gorgeous finish.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lavender Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your Lavender Biscuits won’t stick while baking, giving them a beautiful golden-brown finish. Set the prepared sheet aside as you move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Create Lavender Sugar
In a coffee grinder, combine a few tablespoons of sugar with the dried culinary lavender, grinding until the mixture is finely blended. The floral aroma should fill the air—this is your lavender sugar! Set this aside for later to infuse your biscuits with that enchanting flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. This step is essential as it ensures an even distribution of leavening agents for your Lavender Biscuits, helping them rise perfectly in the oven.
Step 4: Incorporate Lavender Sugar
Now, gently stir in the lavender sugar along with the remaining sugar into the dry ingredient mixture. This not only adds sweetness but also infuses the floral notes throughout the biscuit dough. Mix until just blended, making sure to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold, diced unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small peas. The key to flaky Lavender Biscuits is ensuring your butter stays cold, so work quickly and precisely to achieve that desired texture.
Step 6: Add Buttermilk
Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently combine the ingredients with a spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this will help maintain the tender, flaky texture of your Lavender Biscuits.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and pat it down gently to a thickness of about 1 inch. Use a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into rounds—avoid twisting the cutter to ensure the biscuits rise evenly. Gather any scraps and repeat the process if needed.
Step 8: Chill for Flakiness
Place the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and chill them in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This step helps solidify the butter, which contributes to a flakier result, making your Lavender Biscuits even more delightful upon baking.
Step 9: Apply Toppings
Optionally, brush the tops of the chilled biscuits with a bit of milk and sprinkle coarse sugar over them for added sweetness and a crunchy texture. This step not only enhances flavor but also gives your Lavender Biscuits a beautiful, appealing finish.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake the biscuits in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they have risen and turned a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as you want that perfect color and lightness to ensure your Lavender Biscuits are fluffy and delicious when they come out of the oven.
How to Store and Freeze Lavender Biscuits
Airtight Container: Store baked Lavender Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and flaky texture.
Freezing Baked Biscuits: For longer storage, freeze the baked biscuits for up to 3 months. Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To enjoy your cold or frozen Lavender Biscuits, reheat them directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
Unbaked Biscuits: If you prefer to freeze unbaked biscuits, chill them on a tray first, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen without thawing, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Expert Tips for Lavender Biscuits
• Chill Ingredients: Always use cold ingredients, especially butter and buttermilk, to achieve the flakiest Lavender Biscuits. Warm butter can lead to dense results.
• Don’t Overmix: Combining the dough gently is key. Overmixing can make your biscuits tough instead of tender and flaky.
• Use Culinary Lavender: Ensure that you’re using culinary lavender, as other types can be bitter. If unavailable, substitute with lavender paste in small amounts.
• Precise Cutting: When cutting out biscuits, avoid twisting the cutter, as it pinches the edges and prevents proper rising.
• Freeze Before Baking: Chilling the shaped biscuits in the freezer for about 10 minutes solidifies the butter, enhancing their flakiness during baking.
Lavender Biscuits: Endless Variations Await
Feel free to personalize your Lavender Biscuits and let your creativity shine through delightful substitutions and fun twists!
- Coconut Sugar: Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Lavender Alternatives: Use dried chamomile or rosemary instead of lavender for an aromatic twist that’s equally enchanting.
- Citrus Zest: Adding lemon or orange zest will brighten the biscuits, making them even more refreshing alongside tea.
- Honey Drizzle: For an expressive sweet touch, serve warm biscuits with honey drizzled over the top, enhancing those floral notes.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these biscuits accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Buttermilk Option: If you’re out of buttermilk, use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with a splash of milk as an alternative.
- Nutty Crunch: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful texture and rich flavor contrast.
- Herby Infusion: Stir in some fresh thyme or basil for a savory twist that will leave your guests intrigued!
Explore these variations and mix and match to create your perfect batch of Lavender Biscuits! For more ways to enjoy flavors in your baking, check out our Buttermilk Pancakes recipe. Enjoy the journey of cooking!
Make Ahead Options
These Lavender Biscuits are a fantastic option for those looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the mixing instructions until just before shaping the biscuits. Simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to keep the dough fresh. Alternatively, you can cut the shaped biscuits and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze for about 10 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy delightful Lavender Biscuits with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Flaky Lavender Buttermilk Biscuits?
Delight in the nuanced sweetness of Lavender Biscuits paired with these perfect accompaniments to create a memorable meal experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mixture of berries and citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the floral flavor, making each bite more delightful.
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Honey Butter Spread: This sweet, creamy topping intensifies the biscuit’s allure while adding a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
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Herbal Tea: A calming cup of chamomile or mint tea enhances the floral notes, turning your biscuits into an elegant afternoon treat.
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Lemon Curd: The tangy zest of lemon curd balances the sweetness of the biscuits and adds a layer of luxurious flavor.
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Marinated Cheese Platter: Pairing with creamy goat cheese or tangy feta offers a beautiful contrast; drizzling with honey heightens the experience.
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Savory Quiche: Whether classic or loaded with veggies, quiche adds a comforting, rich element, making it an ideal brunch partner for your biscuits.
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Almond Milk Latte: A light latte complements the biscuits wonderfully, creating a cozy pairing that warms the soul.
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Candied Nuts: Sweet, crunchy nuts provide a delightful texture that elevates the simple pleasure of sinking your teeth into flaky biscuits.
Lavender Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What kind of lavender should I use for these biscuits?
Absolutely! It’s essential to use culinary lavender, as other types can impart a bitter taste. Look for organic culinary lavender at specialty stores or online. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of culinary lavender with a small amount of lavender paste, stirring it into your dough.
How can I store leftover Lavender Biscuits?
To keep these delightful biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze the unbaked Lavender Biscuits?
Very much! To freeze unbaked biscuits, first, place the cut dough on a tray and chill them in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What should I do if my biscuits don’t rise?
If your Lavender Biscuits are not rising, it could be due to a couple of factors: either your leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are old and inactive, or you may have overmixed the dough, which can result in a dense texture. Make sure to check the expiration dates of your baking powder and baking soda, and remember to mix gently until just combined!
Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and for the buttermilk, mix 1 cup of almond milk (or any plant-based milk) with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This way, you can still enjoy the fluffiness and delightful flavor of Lavender Biscuits without dairy.
How long can I keep Lavender Biscuits in the freezer?
You can keep your frozen Lavender Biscuits for up to 3 months without compromising their delicious taste. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy, simply preheat your oven and reheat them directly from the freezer!
Lavender Biscuits: Flaky Floral Delights for Every Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a coffee grinder, combine a few tablespoons of sugar with dried culinary lavender and grind until finely blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gently stir in lavender sugar along with remaining sugar into the dry ingredients until just blended.
- Cut the cold, diced unsalted butter into the flour until it resembles small peas.
- Make a well in the mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk; combine gently with a spatula.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and pat it down to about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into rounds with a biscuit cutter and chill the cut biscuits in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Brush the tops of the chilled biscuits with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until risen and golden brown.
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