Lilac Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
This lilac butter cookies gluten-free recipe combines lilac flowers and lemon zest to create the perfect spring cookie. With simple ingredients and a short chill time, these butter cookies are a fragrant, beautiful treat that’s great for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
I love making delicious seasonal desserts, and those buttery, crisp on the edges, soft in the middle, and subtly floral, thanks to lilac blossoms cookies, are wonderful spring treats and great DIY gift for Mother’s Day. I love making those delicious seasonal deserts. And best of all—they’re naturally gluten-free and made with a gluten-free flour blend.
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If you’re looking for more gluten-free inspiration, you might also enjoy the easy, flaky base in the Flaky Gluten-Free Tart Crust Recipe. So let’s celebrate spring—one fragrant, lilac-kissed cookie at a time.
Lilac Gluten-Free Butter Cookies
I started experimenting with lilac in the kitchen when I was young. In Poland, larch trees grow everywhere in the spring. My family used to make lots of things with lilac. I like to experiment with floral notes in baking. One afternoon, after baking a batch of lemon lavender cookies for a baby shower, it hit me—why not lilac butter cookies?
I already had a reliable gluten-free cookie base that I’d made dozens of times using Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour blend or King’s Arthur’s blend. I also had lemon zest on hand from prepping for another recipe. So I gently pulled a few handfuls of lilac flowers off the bush from my yard, gave them a rinse, and folded them into the cookie dough. The first batch was surprisingly good. The cookies had a delicate floral flavor that wasn’t overpowering, and the lemon balanced it perfectly.
That first batch didn’t last long. Since then, these have become my go-to cookies every spring during lilac season. I make them for neighbors, for brunches, and sometimes just because I want a cookie with a cup of tea on a Wednesday.
As a nutrition consultant and chef, I often meet clients who feel like their dietary restrictions limit their ability to enjoy the foods they love, especially baked goods. Cookies, in particular, can be tricky when you’re trying to avoid gluten, processed ingredients, or excess sugar. That’s why I love this recipe. These lilac butter cookies are friendly cookies that taste indulgent without compromising health goals.
They’re made with simple ingredients like gluten-free flour, egg, and unsalted butter. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar, erythritol, allulose, or maple syrup instead of refined sugar. There are no complicated steps—just a large mixing bowl, a little chill time, and a baking sheet. This is a great example of how you can enjoy a sweet treat that still fits a gluten-free diet and supports balanced blood sugar and hormone health.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re naturally gluten-free, with no need for purpose flour
- The lemon and lilac give them a unique springtime twist
- The texture is soft and chewy inside with crispy edges
- The butter cookie dough is easy to roll, shape, or press
- They’re versatile and beautiful enough for any occasion
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Ingredients For Lilac Butter Cookies
Did you know?
You can bake with flowers—and it’s not just for fairies and Instagram! 🌸 Many edible flowers like lavender, rose, chamomile, hibiscus, violets, calendula, lilac, elderflower, and pansies are safe to eat and can be baked into cookies, cakes, muffins, breads, and even crusts.
Here’s how flowers are used in baking:
- Infused in syrups or creams – like lilac or lavender syrup for glazes or fillings.
- Mixed into batters – chopped rose petals or lavender buds can go right into doughs or batters.
- Pressed on top – edible flowers can be pressed onto sugar cookies or cakes before baking for a stunning visual finish.
- Powdered or dried – like hibiscus powder in icing, or dried chamomile in tea cakes.
Just make sure you use flowers labeled as edible and organic (no pesticides!), and verify they’re safe for consumption—some pretty petals can be toxic.
How to Make Lilac Butter Cookies
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter (make sure the butter is softened) and your sugar of choice (white or coconut) using your hands. Make sure you don’t overmix it and make it super soft..
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour blend and salt.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth butter cookie dough forms.
- Gently fold in the lilac flowers.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for 30–45 minutes. This chill time helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet or sheet tray with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough into inch balls using a medium cookie scoop or shape with your hands. Flatten slightly or use a cookie cutter or cookie press if desired. Or use a roller and roll the dough, then use a cookie cutter to cut the cookies.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges.
- Let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use maple syrup instead of sugar, reducing other wet ingredients slightly
- Add chocolate chunks, melted chocolate drizzle, or white chocolate chips for extra richness
- Sub lilac flowers with dried lavender or skip the floral element entirely if out of season
- Lemon juice can be replaced with orange or lime juice for a citrus variation
If you’d like to go further with edible flowers, you can make an easy Lilac Simple Syrup Recipe—it’s perfect for pairing with lilac cookies or even for drizzling on other gluten-free treats.
Chef Angie’s Tips
- Always bring butter and egg yolk to room temperature for best results. Cold ingredients won’t mix evenly.
- Use digital scales to measure almond flour accurately. It’s easy to pack too much into a cup.
- If using a piping bag, try an open star tip for a fancy finish.
- Avoid overbaking—18 minutes is usually enough. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
- If you’re planning to freeze, roll dough into inch balls and freeze raw on a sheet tray. Store in plastic wrap or an airtight container and bake straight from frozen.
Why Lilac-Infused Baked Goods Are Delicious
Lilac butter cookies celebrate fleeting flavors—these blooms are only here for a few weeks each year. Baking with lilacs feels like capturing spring in your kitchen, infusing even a humble cookie with a sense of renewal and nostalgia.
- Seasonal celebrations: You know you’re tasting something rare, which makes each batch feel extra special.
- A feast for every sense: Aroma, flavor, and color—lilac cookies bring them all to the table.
Bringing edible flowers into the mix isn’t just beautiful—it’s a return to a time when food celebrated the rhythms of nature. This little luxury on your plate reminds you to savor the moment. If you’re eager to try more floral treats, you’ll love the Lilac Cashew Vegan Ice Cream Recipe—it’s light, fragrant, and just as inviting as these cookies.
For more ideas on using flowers in creative desserts (and to see just how versatile lilacs can be!), check out this No Bake Lilac Cheesecake Recipe.
Why I Use Grass-Fed Butter
When I started paying more attention to the quality of fats I was cooking and baking with, butter was one of the first ingredients I upgraded. Not all butter is created equal. Grass-fed butter (like Kerrygold or locally sourced from pasture-raised cows) is noticeably richer in color, creamier in texture, and—here’s the cool part—much more nutrient-dense.
Grass-fed butter contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), both of which are anti-inflammatory and supportive of hormone health. It’s also packed with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K2. You won’t get the same nutrient profile from butter made from grain-fed cows.
And while it seems like a tiny detail in a cookie recipe, it makes a difference. Every ingredient matters when you’re baking something simple—like these lilac butter cookies. The butter is the heart of the cookie. It’s where the richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from. Using high-quality grass-fed butter gives these cookies a deeper flavor and a natural golden color that regular butter just can’t match. Plus, as a nutrition consultant, I always say: better ingredients = better body response. Grass-fed butter helps me avoid the inflammatory effects of industrial dairy, while still enjoying all the flavor.
Ways to Serve
- Serve with afternoon tea or coffee
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a floral dessert
- Dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle with extra lemon zest
- Arrange on a platter with lime cookies recipe or orange honey cookies recipe for a citrus-forward dessert spread
- Package in small boxes for baby shower favors or spring gift baskets
Storage
Once completely cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls.
If stacking cookies, place sheets of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Chilled dough can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to three days before baking.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Cookie sheet or sheet tray
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutter, cookie press, or medium cookie scoop
- Compostable Ziploc bag
- Wire rack
- Rolling pin
Incorporating Other Herbal Flavors
Pairing lilac with other gentle herbs adds a lively depth to your cookies. Lemon balm, with its fresh, lemony scent, plays well with floral flavors, adding a lift that brightens the whole batch. If you’re curious about ways to use lemon balm or want to know more about its health perks, take a look at the Culinary and Health Benefits of Lemon Balm.
Other favorite herbal additions for cookies include:
- Lavender: Similar in spirit to lilac, lavender offers a more potent, woodsy aroma—use sparingly so it doesn’t overpower.
- Rosemary: A tiny pinch brings a savory note to sweet dough, perfect for adventurous palates.
- Mint: Uplifting and clean, a few chopped leaves give cookies a refreshing snap.
- Thyme: Especially lemon thyme, for a citrus-forward finish without bitterness.
For a primer on mixing and matching herbs in baking or savory dishes, refer to these Herb Usage Tips. Mixing flowers with herbs is like creating a garden in your cookie jar—a fresh and unexpected treat every time. Don’t hesitate to explore with other edible flowers or herbal pairings—your kitchen can celebrate whatever’s in season. If you love experimenting, try branching out to a homemade elderflower syrup recipe for another fragrant baking adventure.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try replacing the egg yolk with a flax egg and use a vegan butter substitute. The texture might change slightly, but it should still work.
Are lilacs edible?
Yes, most common lilac varieties are edible, but make sure they’re unsprayed and well-rinsed. Only use the flowers, not the stems or leaves.
What do these taste like?
They’re buttery with hints of citrus and floral notes from the lilac—somewhere between lemon cookies and lavender shortbread cookies.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Roll dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in plastic wrap or an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chill time is important for flavor development and to keep the cookies from spreading too much.
For extra inspiration and baking variety, browse the baking recipes collection and see how these simple changes create polished, truly memorable treats.
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Lilac Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 3 cups Gluten-free flour with xantham gum
- 16 oz Butter softened
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 3/4 cup Erythriol or sugar
- 2 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 cups Lilac blossoms
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter (make sure the butter is softened) and your sugar of choice (white or coconut) using your hands. Ensure you don't overmix it, as this will result in a super soft texture.2. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour blend and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth butter cookie dough forms.4. Gently fold in the lilac flowers.5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for 30–45 minutes. This chill time helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet or sheet tray with parchment paper.7. Scoop the dough into inch balls using a medium cookie scoop or shape with your hands. Flatten slightly or use a cookie cutter or cookie press if desired. Alternatively, use a roller to roll out the dough, then cut the cookies using a cookie cutter.8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, lined up with parchment paper spacing evenly.9. Bake for 18 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges.10. Let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
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