5 Lavender-Infused Recipes to Try This Summer

Two tall drinking glasses of lavender lemonade with sprigs of lavender in them on a wooden table

Lavender isn’t just for your pillow or skincare routine, it belongs in your kitchen, too! From floral lemonades to melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies, culinary lavender adds a lightly sweet, fragrant twist to both sweet and savory dishes. And when it comes from right here at Quakerdale Farms, you know it’s grown with care and ready for your summer table.

Whether you’re planning a backyard brunch, bridal shower, or cozy dinner at home, here are five lavender-infused recipes you’ll want to try this season, each using our hand-harvested buds straight from the field.

Why Cook with Lavender?

Culinary lavender is a food-safe variety of Lavandula angustifolia (commonly called English lavender). It offers delicate floral notes and hints of mint or rosemary, so it’s perfect for summertime flavors. A little goes a long way, and with the right pairing, it can turn simple recipes into something truly special.

At Quakerdale Farms, our culinary lavender is grown, dried, and packaged with care, so it’s not only fragrant and flavorful, but farm-fresh and safe to eat.

Browse Culinary Lavender Buds

1. Lavender Lemonade (A Lavender Festival Favorite!)

Person pouring purple cocktail drink with lemon and lavender herb flowers in the kitchen, pot of honey nearby

This one’s a showstopper... and it’s always a hit at our annual Lavender Festival! Lavender lemonade is refreshing, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup culinary lavender buds
1 cup sugar
2 cups water (for syrup)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cups cold water (for mixing)
Ice, lemon slices, and fresh mint for serving

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine lavender buds, sugar, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer.
2. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let steep for 30 minutes.
3. Strain out the buds and let the syrup cool.
4. Mix with lemon juice and cold water. Serve over ice with garnish.

Hosting a party? Prep a pitcher the day before and store in the fridge. It’s a beautiful addition to baby showers, weddings, or garden parties.

Shop Culinary Lavender Buds

Inspired by Taste of Home and The Pioneer Woman.

2. Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Homemade shortbread cookies with lemon flavor and lavender glaze, served on a cooling grid for celebrations

Delicate and buttery with a subtle floral finish, these cookies are perfect for tea time, gifting, or bridal shower favors.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1–2 tsp culinary lavender buds, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Mix in vanilla and chopped lavender.

3. Slowly add flour and mix until dough forms.

4. Roll into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

5. Slice and bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes.

Package in kraft paper boxes with twine and a sprig of dried lavender for the perfect handmade gift!

Bundle with Decorative Lavender Buds

Inspired by Fifteen Spatulas and A Garden for the House.

3. Honey-Lavender Simple Syrup

High angle view of someone pouring a lavender syrup into a glass jug

This versatile syrup can be added to drinks, desserts, or even drizzled on fresh fruit and pancakes. It’s a must-have in any summer kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 cup honey
2 tbsp culinary lavender buds

Directions:

1. Combine water, honey, and lavender buds in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until honey dissolves.

3. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 20 minutes.

4. Strain and cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Try it in sparkling water, cocktails, lattes, or fruit salads.

Pair with Buds + Jar for DIY Gift Sets

Inspired by A Flavor Journal and Dash of Jazz.

4. Lavender Whipped Cream (Or Butter!)

Two mousse cakes decorated with lavender flowers with whipped cream

Add a floral flair to desserts and breakfast favorites with this infused whipped cream or butter.

For Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp lavender syrup (or 1 tbsp buds steeped in cream, then strained)
1 tsp vanilla

Whip until soft peaks form and serve on top of pies, shortcakes, or fresh berries.

For Lavender Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1–2 tsp culinary lavender buds, chopped
Optional: honey, lemon zest

Mix, chill, and enjoy on biscuits, toast, or corn on the cob.

Shop Culinary Buds

Inspired by Milk and Pop and Cupcake Project.

5. Lemon-Lavender Roasted Chicken or Potatoes

Grilled chicken breast creatively prepared with lemon herbs and lavender on a plate

Lavender isn’t just for sweet recipes as it pairs beautifully with savory herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Ingredients (Seasoning Blend):

1 tbsp dried lavender buds
1 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Rub onto chicken before roasting or toss with potatoes and olive oil before baking. The result? A rustic, herby dish with a bright, floral finish.

Culinary Buds + Decorative Bundle Set

Inspired by Plate and Pencil.

Bonus: Planning a Lavender-Themed Party?

Female friends wearing elegant dresses drinking lavender drinks outdoors at sunset during a bachelorette party

Lavender is more than an ingredient; it’s a theme. These recipes pair perfectly with wedding showers, summer picnics, brunches, and even farm-to-table events.

Hosting something special? We’d love to help you bring the charm of lavender to your event — from custom bundles to private farm tours and more.

Learn More About Hosting at Quakerdale Farms

From Our Fields to Your Fork

At Quakerdale Farms, we grow, harvest, and handcraft our culinary lavender right here in the heart of Iowa. When you cook with our buds, you’re not just adding flavor, you’re adding a story, a season, and a sense of place.

Shop Culinary Lavender Buds, Bundles, and More

Nationwide shipping available | Local pickup at the farm store

Want more recipes, tips, and ideas?