a cast of animal cookies, a long winded story and a giveaway!

A while back I came across a post done by one of my favourite bloggers about animal cookies. It took me only a second to recognize the cookie cutters that she used, as I had just bought a set for my mother for part of her mother's day gift.
I got so excited to see those cute animal cookie cutters come to life that I decided that I would go back to IKEA and buy a set for myself. But sadly they were all sold out.
So I waited and waited, hoping that they would be restocked and to my excitement they were....so I bought a set. Actually I bought four sets because I am weird like that and often buy multiples to keep on hand as quick and easy gifts to give to people.
And then, just the other night as I sat looking out the sliding door window into my garden and feeling somewhat sorry for myself that I didn't get to plant anything this summer, an idea came to me. Why not use the lavender that I planted last year for something?

I had never cooked with lavender but I had heard of people using it in ice cream and cookies, so I began to look up a recipes for lavender cookies. And then with the wheels turning in my head, I remembered Joni's post on animal cookies and I think you can guess where the rest of the story goes.
So without further adieu, I give you...

Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter softened
1/3 cup of maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups of flour
a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon fresh lavender flowers
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Cream the butter, maple syrup and vanilla together. Add in the lavender and lemon zest. Slowly add in the flour a cup at a time until the dough is formed. Separate into 2 balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
Preheat oven to 350. Roll out dough onto a floured surface. Use your favourite cookie cutters and lay the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake cookies for 5 mins. Check on them regularly.

And here's the exciting news for you! It's been a while since I've done a giveaway and because I bought a few extra sets, I'd like to give a set away to one reader. To enter the giveaway, tell me what your favourite type of cookie is. Leave a comment by Friday and I will choose one person to win the cookie cutters.
xox

UPDATE

The winner is Kerry from Young Ones.....congrats Kerry!