Flora Cookies

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Classic butter cookies enhanced with vanilla and citrus zest. Easy to make with basic ingredients.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:18 GMT
A plate of freshly baked cookies with colorful fruit pieces and a dusting of powdered sugar. Pin it
A plate of freshly baked cookies with colorful fruit pieces and a dusting of powdered sugar. | cookingwithcasey.com

My Flora Cookies have become the talk of every gathering. Each buttery bite practically melts on your tongue with just the right sweetness and that lovely hint of floral aroma. Once you try making these you'll understand why they've become my signature recipe I'm always asked to share.

What Makes These Extra Special

I love how these cookies bring something unique to my baking rotation. The subtle floral notes make them feel fancy but they're actually so simple to make. Whether I'm hosting tea time packing them for gifts or just treating myself they always feel like a little celebration.

Everything You Need

  • Butter: Use the good stuff it really makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
  • Sugar: Just enough to complement those delicate floral notes.
  • Flour: Regular all-purpose gives us that perfect crisp texture.
  • Egg: One large egg keeps everything soft and tender.
  • Floral Extract: This magical ingredient makes our cookies sing.
  • Baking Powder: A little lift makes them just right.
  • Salt: Don't skip it it makes all the flavors pop.
  • Powdered Sugar: For that pretty finishing touch.

Let's Bake Together

Get Ready
Start with a 350°F oven and have everything measured and ready to go.
The Base
Beat your butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy about 3 or 4 minutes.
Mix It Up
Add your egg and that lovely floral extract then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
Chill Time
Cut your shapes then let them rest in the fridge for 30 minutes they'll hold their shape better.
The Final Touch
Bake until just golden 8 to 10 minutes then dust with powdered sugar once cool.

Serving Your Cookies

These cookies shine brightest alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee. When I'm hosting I love arranging them on my grandmother's silver platter with some fresh fruit tarts they look so elegant together.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use lavender extract other times rose or chamomile each brings its own magic. A little citrus zest adds brightness and I've even made them vegan using plant butter and flax eggs they turn out beautifully.

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A plate of golden-brown cookies topped with colorful sprinkles and garnished with small green leaves. | cookingwithcasey.com

Keep Them Fresh

Store your cookies in an airtight tin they'll stay perfect for 5 days. They freeze beautifully too just thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy.

My Best Tips

Room temperature butter is key for the perfect texture. Work the dough gently we want light crisp cookies. That chilling step might feel like extra work but trust me it makes such a difference.

Perfect for Every Occasion

I've brought these cookies to holiday exchanges given them as heartfelt gifts and served them at fancy dessert parties. There's something about their delicate flavor that makes any moment feel special.

Perfect Pairings

Try these with a cup of chamomile or lavender tea the flavors complement each other beautifully. When I'm hosting something fancy they're lovely with prosecco or dessert wine.

Baking with Little Ones

My grandkids love helping make these cookies. They're experts at cutting shapes and always volunteer for powdered sugar duty. It's become our special baking tradition.

Make Them Pretty

I love pressing edible flowers into the tops before baking or adding delicate icing designs. Cookie stamps make beautiful patterns perfect for special occasions.

Going Gluten Free

My friend Sarah can't have gluten so I created a version using her favorite baking mix. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture they turn out just as delicious.

A plate of freshly baked cookies with colorful fruit fillings, dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A plate of freshly baked cookies with colorful fruit fillings, dusted with powdered sugar. | cookingwithcasey.com

A Touch of History

These cookies remind me of the delicate pastries I tasted traveling through Europe. There's something timeless about baking with flower essences it connects us to generations of bakers before us.

Sharing the Love

I package these in clear bags with pretty ribbons or vintage tins for gifting. Adding the recipe card makes it extra special everyone always asks for it anyway.

Season to Season

In spring I use lots of lavender and lemon while winter calls for warm spices like cinnamon. The cookies adapt beautifully to whatever the season brings.

The Magic of Flowers

The secret to these cookies is how the floral notes dance with the buttery sweetness. It's subtle but transforms a simple cookie into something truly memorable.

Always Ready to Bake

I keep rolls of dough in my freezer ready to slice and bake. Nothing beats having fresh cookies in minutes when friends drop by unexpectedly.

Your New Signature Bake

These cookies always spark joy at gatherings. Whether it's a fancy tea party bridal shower or dinner party they bring that perfect touch of elegance.

Simple Pleasures

Sometimes I enjoy these quiet moments just me my favorite teacup and a Flora Cookie. Other times they're the center of celebration but either way they make everything feel a bit more special.

A plate of freshly baked cookies, topped with colorful morsels and dusted with powdered sugar, set on a wooden table. Pin it
A plate of freshly baked cookies, topped with colorful morsels and dusted with powdered sugar, set on a wooden table. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cookies ahead?
Dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days before baking. Baked cookies keep 1 week in airtight container or freeze 3 months.
→ Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Butter too soft or dough too warm. Chill dough briefly if it becomes too soft to handle.
→ How do I know when they're done?
Edges should be lightly golden but centers still soft. Don't overbake as they continue firming while cooling.
→ Can I skip the orange zest?
Yes, zest is optional for extra flavor. Try lemon zest or vanilla only for different variations.
→ Why dust with powdered sugar?
Optional finishing touch adds sweetness and pretty appearance. Can be skipped or added just before serving.

Conclusion

Delicate butter cookies that are quick to prepare and perfect for various occasions. Featuring a subtle blend of vanilla and citrus zest, these cookies offer a simple yet delightful treat.

Flora Cookies

Delicate butter cookies with a hint of vanilla and orange zest. Simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 30 Servings (30 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
03 1 large egg.
04 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
05 1 teaspoon orange zest.
06 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
07 1/4 teaspoon salt.
08 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
09 Powdered sugar for dusting.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, zest.

Step 03

Mix flour, salt, baking powder. Combine with wet ingredients.

Step 04

Roll dough into balls, place on sheet.

Step 05

Cook 10-12 minutes until edges golden.

Step 06

Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

  1. Can make dough 2 days ahead.
  2. Keeps 1 week in container.
  3. Freezes up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 2 g