🍋 Chamomile Lemon Meltaways
Why They’re Calm
These cookies are soft, delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth, with the soothing floral notes of chamomile and a bright touch of lemon. A tea-inspired holiday treat that feels light and restorative.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp dried chamomile (from tea bags), finely ground
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in vanilla and lemon zest.
- Add flour, chamomile, and salt. Stir until dough just comes together.
- Shape into two logs, wrap in parchment, chill 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice into ¼-inch rounds, bake 10–12 minutes until just set.
- While warm, dust lightly with powdered sugar.
🌿 Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
Why They’re Calm
The pure, simple flavor of vanilla shines in these soft sugar cookies. They can be left plain for a calm, understated treat, or decorated mindfully as a holiday ritual.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean)
Instructions:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Chill 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough ¼ inch thick, cut into shapes.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Optional: Decorate with royal icing or a simple glaze — or leave plain for the calmest version.
🎁 Serving the Calm Cookie Plate
Arrange Honey Lavender Shortbread, Chamomile Lemon Meltaways, and Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies together on a platter. Pair with herbal teas or a warm mug of milk for the perfect “Calm Christmas” moment.