Dandelion Cookie Recipe Using Flowers and Lemon

If your yard is getting overrun with dandelion “weeds” why not make good use of this edible plant and whip up a batch of tasty dandelion cookies using the flowers?

This dandelion cookie recipe features wholesome ingredients such as oats, flour, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and lemon zest for a flavor boost. With just a hint of sweetness and a citrusy profile, these cookies make a great easy breakfast food or snack.

So, harvest those blooms on a sunny morning and you’ll be enjoying a tasty treat in no time!

A quick look at the dandelion plant

Taraxacum officinale is the scientific name of this perennial weed. Dandelions belong to the Asteraceae family, of which daisies also belong.¹ It’s characterized by its stubborn and deep taproots (which make a great caffeine-free coffee alternative when roasted), jagged leaves (which can be cooked or added raw to salads), and yellow florets (an edible flower).

In short, virtually the whole plant is edible from flower to root. (The only part you might want to avoid eating are the hollow stems which contain a bitter milky substance.)

Why use dandelion flowers?

These edible yellow flowers are easy to forage—you can likely find plenty of dandelion flowers growing in your backyard. Picking dandelions is an easy way to get little ones involved in the harvesting of locally grown food!

Plus, the petals are nutritious as a wonderful source of antioxidants along with vitamins A and B12.²

What do the flower petals taste like?

With a mild, slightly sweet flavor profile, this edible flower is a shoo-in as an addition to baked goods such as dandelion fritters, pancakes, and of course, this dandelion flower cookie recipe.

How to harvest dandelion petals

The dandelion flower head closes up on cloudy, rainy days and open on warm, sunny days. So, the best time to harvest dandelion flowers is in the morning when the sun is out.

Safety note: Please use caution when foraging any type of plant and ensure you only harvest in areas that are pesticide and herbicide free. It’s best to avoid harvesting any plants that are close to roadways which may be covered with pollutants.

The flowers are easy to pick with your fingers.

Simply pluck off the heads by holding the base of the flower and pulling upwards. Remove any stem pieces.

How to prepare dandelion blossoms for baking

Preparing dandelion flower heads for baking is an easy 2-step process.

1. Wash: Once you’ve gathered enough flowers place them in a colander and give them a quick spray with cool, clean water. Gently pat dry with a dish towel.
2. Remove petals from green flower base: Next, you can simply pluck the golden petals from the green base. This allows the petals to incorporate into the cookie dough more smoothly. Soon you’ll have a bowlful of fluffy dandelion petals that are ready to use.

Tip: You’ll want to remove the remove the petals from the green base or bracts that hold the petals together. The green parts may lend a bitterness that’s not appetizing in a flower cookie recipe!

About this recipe

Just a heads-up: this is NOT a shortbread cookie. If I had to describe this cookie, it’s similar to a muffin-top—soft and chewy.

The texture and simple, nutritious ingredients make it perfect for a breakfast on-the-go, or an afternoon snack.

I used regular unbleached flour, but you can easily substitute whole wheat flour for a more wholesome batch of cookies.

Simple to make, this is an easy recipe that you can whip up in the morning (the most time-consuming part is harvesting the flowers).

Supplies you’ll need

• 2 cookie sheets
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• Fork for beating eggs
• Mixing bowl and other small bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Lemon zester (or a fine grater)

Dandelion cookie recipe with lemon

Let’s make dandelion cookies! Here’s an easy dandelion flower recipe that you can make together with the kiddos. This recipe is adapted from the University of Wyoming Extension.³

I added the zest of one lemon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for extra flavor, as the original recipe was very mild tasting. I love the combination of mild honey and dandelion petals together with the extra citrus kick!

You can easily double the batch of cookies and stick some in the freezer.

Yield: Roughly 20-24 cookies

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup dandelion petals, prepared and washed
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup dry oats
• 1 lemon, finely zested
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius).
2. Using a zester or fine grater, zest 1 whole lemon (just the yellow skin!).
3. Melt coconut oil in the microwave.
4. Add honey, lemon juice, and sprinkle in the lemon zest.
5. Beat 2 eggs into the mixture, and add the vanilla extract.
6. Slowly add the flour, oatmeal, and prepared dandelion petals.
7. Using a tablespoon, drop the cookie dough mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet (or a greased cookie sheet).
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Enjoy!

How to store your cookies

Store your freshly baked cookies (once completely cooled) in an airtight container at room temperature. Best consumed within 2-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze an extra batch of dandelion cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.

Other ways to use the dandelion plant in the kitchen

The entire plant is edible, which makes it a versatile and nutritious wild food you can use in so many ways.

• Dandelion greens: Eat them raw when picked in early spring, or cook the leaves to improve the taste with a bit of garlic, salt, and oil. You can also throw a handful of dandelion leaves into your morning smoothie.
• Dandelion root coffee: With a rich, robust flavor, dandelion root coffee is tasty and caffeine-free. You should really try roasting the roots for a coffee alternative if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine.
• Dandelion fritters: Pan-fry these tasty fritters for a garden-fresh breakfast!
• Dandelion jelly: Make a golden spread to brighten up your toast.
• Dandelion iced tea: This refreshing drink recipe uses a green tea base for a twist on classic iced tea.
• Dandelion flower tea: A mild, and soothing cup of herbal tea that tastes similar to chrysanthemum tea, in my opinion. Add a dollop of honey to sweeten.
• Dandelion wine: Gather a bunch of dandelion blossoms to make your own golden-hued wine that captures the essence of sunny spring days.

Related questions

Is it safe to eat dandelion flowers raw?

Yes, the yellow petals (that have not been sprayed) are perfectly safe to eat whether cooked, baked, or raw. Just give them a quick rinse to wash away any tiny bugs, and enjoy!

Can you freeze dandelion flowers?

Yes, you can freeze dandelion petals that have been washed. If you happen to have picked too many dandelion petals, no worries—these flowers freeze nicely in a ziploc bag. Toss frozen petals into your recipes as needed.

👉If you like this post, see our Timeless Guide To Foraging for Wild Food.

References

1. Britannica, Dandelion, plant, https://www.britannica.com/plant/dandelion. Accessed July 2024.
2. Jarvie, Michelle (29 May 2015). “Dandelions for food,” Michigan State University. Accessed July 2024.
3. University of Wyoming Extension, Dandelion Flower Cookies, Barnyards & Backyards, Spring 2020 edition. https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2020/spring/0420edibleflowers.pdf. Accessed July 2024.

Sharing is caring!