Description
Flora Cookies are delightful, delicately sweet sugar cookies adorned with beautiful edible flowers. These charming treats combine a tender, buttery dough with the natural elegance of edible pansies, violets, or rose petals, making them perfect for spring celebrations, tea parties, or thoughtful homemade gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Edible flowers (like pansies, violets, or rose petals)
- 1 egg white (lightly beaten)
- Granulated or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth, ensuring even moisture distribution throughout the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms without overworking it, which keeps the cookies tender.
- Roll out dough and cut shapes: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate with edible flowers: Gently press edible flowers or petals onto the tops of each cookie, ensuring they stick without tearing.
- Brush with egg white and add sugar: Lightly brush the cookies with egg white to help the flowers adhere and provide a glossy sheen. Optionally, sprinkle with granulated or sanding sugar for added sparkle and sweetness.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use pesticide-free, food-grade edible flowers to ensure safety and flavor.
- Press flowers between paper towels and a heavy book overnight to flatten them for better decoration.
- These cookies make charming gifts and are ideal for spring events and tea parties.
