This amazing article was written by Nicole, a holistic nutritionist with a strong belief that it is possible for everyone to discover how good their body is designed to feel. Nicole works in partnership with her clients to achieve a lifestyle that is both balanced, fulfilling and nourishing. Go check out her fantastic blog with healthy recipes, or follow her on Facebook!

If and when the opportunity to travel presents itself in my life again, seeing the lavender flowers of Provence, France – during peak bloom – is one destination that is most definitely on my bucket list (and Pinterest travel board).

This article isn’t a journal entry for my future travel plans. It’s a dedication to the vibrant, lush and aromatic lavender flowers.

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of this lovely recipe for lavender lemonade, which has been floating around social media. This violet elixir is shared for more than it’s a lovely color, but for the positive effects of lavender for promoting calmness, relieving headaches and decreasing anxiety.

And today we are making anti-anxiety lavender cookies! I’m more than pleased to share just how simple it is to include this bloom in your cooking creations. Who knew cookies could get even more relaxing? Am-i-right. Let’s get on track so you can thrive & be vibrant with these uber relaxing benefits.

A Brief History of Lavender

Lavender has been long associated with symbolizing love, affection, protection, longevity and peace. Uses of lavender have been documented for over 2,500 years! Ancient Egyptians used lavender in mummification and for making fine perfumes, lavender was used in hospitals during World War One for its antibacterial properties, and in 1630 – during the Great Plague – the ‘Vinegar of the Four Thieves’ included thyme, lavender, rosemary and sage – a decoction that was said to have provided immunity from the disease.

Truly a wonderful gift from our planet, and it’s nice on the eyes too!

Health Benefits of Lavender

Today lavender is known and used mostly for reducing anxiety and emotional stress, helping to heal burns and wounds, improving sleep, nourishing the skin, providing powerful antioxidants and relieving headaches. One of my favourite things about lavender is that this medicinal plant also introduces an unforgettable divine floral taste – from the lavender to lemonade to this peculiar pink elixir to the anti-anxiety lavender cookies that I will be sharing, oh so soon.
When adding lavender to your recipe creations, you can use organically grown dried lavender flowers  such as highland lavender (lavandula angustifolia).

Anti-Anxiety Lavender Cookies

You can follow this recipe for a grain-free, paleo version, that also has some gut healing properties with the use of grass-fed gelatin. Lavender pairs well with oats, coconut, lemon and dark chocolate.

Makes 8-12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup tigernut flour/powder

• 3/4 cup arrowroot flour/starch

• 1 tablespoon grass-fed gelatin

• 1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon himalayan salt

• 1/2 cup grass-fed butter or coconut oil (room temperature)

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or coconut nectar (room temperature)

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (room temperature)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 teaspoons dried organic lavender flowers

Optional:

• 1/2 cup shredded or flaked coconut 

• Organic lavender flowers for garnish 

Instructions:

1. Sift the tigernut flour, arrowroot flour, gelatin, baking soda, and himalayan salt into a medium sized mixing bowl.

2. Add the room temperature maple syrup, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, lavender and vanilla to a medium bowl and beat with a stand mixer or handheld mixer until creamy and well combined.

3. In batches, whisk the dry ingredients in with the wet, until a sticky cookie dough has formed.

4. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, then gently fold in the dried coconut. Scoop out 8-12 cookies that are about 2-3 tablespoons in size. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes or in the fridge for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bake the cookies for 12-16 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. They will firm up as they cool, so do not over-bake.

6. Remove from the oven and wait 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to further cool.

7. Serve and garnish with some lavender flowers if desired

NOTES & CAUTIONS

When using dried lavender flowers, please ensure they are grown organically and are not treated with any chemicals. Add your dried lavender flowers to the mix of dry ingredients when preparing the cookies.

The post Cookies That Calm: Buttery Cookies Made With Lavender (Recipe) appeared first on The Hearty Soul.