I first baked these chamomile cookies on a rainy afternoon when I wanted something delicate and floral but not fussy. They’re tender, lightly lemony butter cookies speckled with chamomile petals and finished with a tangy lemon glaze — perfect with tea, for a baby shower, or as a gentle homemade gift. If you like subtle floral cookies (think a softer cousin to lavender shortbread), you’ll find this recipe effortless and rewarding — and it pairs surprisingly well with richer cookie recipes like best-ever butterscotch chocolate chip cookies when you want variety on a dessert plate.

What makes this recipe special

Chamomile cookies are one of those treats that taste like calm. The chamomile adds a mellow, apple-like floral note that plays beautifully against the bright lemon zest and glaze. They’re not overpowering — the flavor is more about nuance than punch — which is why they’re ideal for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or when you want a cookie that won’t compete with other desserts.

“Light as a biscuit, floral but not floral-forward — these became my go-to for a cozy tea hour.” — a satisfied reader

Because they use pantry staples and come together quickly, they’re also surprisingly practical. If you enjoy seasonal baking, this recipe is an easy way to bring a springlike feel to any gathering. For a spiced winter cookie alternative that’s equally crowd-pleasing, check out this best soft gingerbread cookies recipe.

Step-by-step overview

Before diving into the ingredients, here’s a quick process outline so you know what to expect:

Make a simple cookie dough by creaming butter and sugar, then mixing in egg and vanilla.
Fold dry ingredients and chamomile/lemon zest into the dough.
Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until the edges are lightly golden.
Whisk a quick lemon icing and drizzle on cooled cookies.

This is a straightforward one-bowl-style method (you’ll still sift or whisk dry ingredients), and the whole job — mixing, baking, glazing — takes about 30–40 minutes active time.

What you’ll need

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chamomile tea leaves (culinary chamomile or loose-leaf tea; remove any large stems)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Notes/substitutions:

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a firm vegan butter and use the vegan chamomile cookie inspiration from other recipes.
If you prefer a smoother chamomile flavor, briefly grind the dried flowers in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle before folding into the dough.
If your chamomile comes in tea bags, open them and measure the loose flowers (discard filter paper).

How to prepare it

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla; beat until smooth and combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined — don’t overmix.
Fold in the chamomile tea leaves and lemon zest with a spatula.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
While the cookies cool on a rack, whisk the powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth to make the glaze. Add more lemon or sugar to reach your preferred consistency.
Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon icing over the tops and let it set before serving.

Best ways to enjoy it

These cookies are lovely at room temperature alongside a cup of chamomile, green, or black tea. For a small dessert plate, pair them with a richer cookie so guests can contrast flavors — they work particularly well next to molasses or butterscotch-style cookies. I also like arranging them on a tiered tray for brunch or wrapping a few in parchment tied with twine as a hostess gift. If you’re serving them at a gathering, arrange them with small bowls of fresh berries and whipped cream for a light, elegant spread. For more cookie pairing ideas (especially for seasonal platters), see this best soft gingerbread cookies recipe to add a spiced contrast.

Storage and reheating tips

Room temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Put parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm or the glaze is delicate, refrigerate for up to a week — bring cookies back to room temp before serving for best flavor.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Reheating: Warm gently in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to refresh texture; microwaving can make them soft or chewy quickly, so watch closely.

Food safety: always cool cookies completely before sealing in containers to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Pro chef tips

Use room-temperature butter and egg so the dough emulsifies smoothly and the texture stays tender.
Don’t overwork the dough once the flour is added — too much mixing develops gluten and makes cookies tough.
If you want a stronger chamomile aroma, steep 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers in 2 tablespoons of warm melted butter for 10–15 minutes, strain, and use that butter in the recipe. (Let it cool slightly before mixing with sugar.)
For an evenly textured cookie, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if your kitchen is warm; it prevents spreading and gives a slightly thicker cookie.
If you’re aiming for a prettier glaze, thin with lemon juice a drop at a time until it flows but still sets. For a sparkly finish, grate a tiny bit more lemon zest over the glaze before it dries.
For more troubleshooting and technique ideas that help with texture and flavor, compare methods with this best soft gingerbread cookies recipe which highlights handling tips useful across cookie types.

Creative twists

Lemon-chamomile sandwich cookies: Make two thin cookies and sandwich with a lemon buttercream or vanilla buttercream.
Honey glaze: Swap lemon juice for 1–2 tablespoons of honey thinned with a teaspoon or two of water for a softer floral note.
Cardamom or ginger: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or ginger to the dry mix for a warming counterpoint.
Gluten-free: Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks it; texture may be slightly crumblier.
Vegan: Use a vegan butter and an egg replacer (or mashed banana/applesauce for a different flavor); see vegan chamomile cookie ideas online for ratio tweaks.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use chamomile tea bags instead of loose flowers?

A: Yes — open the tea bags and use the loose flowers inside (discard the paper). Measure about 1 tablespoon of loose flowers. Avoid using the paper itself. If the tea leaves are finely ground, reduce to 2 teaspoons so the texture doesn’t become gritty.

Q: Will the chamomile flavor be strong?

A: No — chamomile is gentle. The lemon zest and glaze brighten the cookies; the floral note should be a soft background unless you intentionally infuse the butter for a bolder profile.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely. You can refrigerate shaped dough balls for up to 48 hours before baking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Are these safe during pregnancy or with medication?

A: Chamomile is widely used, but it can interact with some medications (like blood thinners) and some clinicians advise caution during pregnancy. If you have concerns, check with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

These chamomile cookies are an easy way to introduce a subtle floral note into your baking repertoire — uncomplicated to make, elegant on the plate, and versatile for modifications. For a vegan take on floral cookies, this recipe for Vegan Chamomile Sugar Cookies – ShortGirlTallOrder offers useful swaps and ideas. If you want inspiration from another home baker’s chamomile cookie version, see the gentle approach used in Chamomile Cookies | Thirsty Radish.

Enjoy the process — and remember that these cookies are about balance, so small adjustments (a touch more lemon, a gentler chamomile) can make them truly yours.