📖 Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients: Ensure you have all the necessary components: flour, butter, sugar, lavender extract, ripe bananas, lemon juice, and any additional toppings.
2. Prepare the Lavender Shortbread Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This may take 3-5 minutes. A hand mixer works wonders, but a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick too!
3. Add the Extract: Stir in the lavender extract. Be careful not to add too much, as lavender can be overpowering. A little goes a long way.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be relatively dry and crumbly, but able to hold its shape when pressed together.
5. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. If the dough becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
8. Bake the Shortbread: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
10. Prepare the Banana Filling: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the banana filling. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with lemon juice. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds a delightful tang.
11. Assemble the Banana Twist: Once the shortbread cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of the mashed banana filling on the bottom of one cookie and top it with another cookie to create a sandwich.
12. Optional Toppings: If desired, dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or sprinkle with chopped nuts. Get creative!
13. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lavender shortbread banana twist immediately or chill for a short time before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh!