Spring has come which means it’s finally time for flowers to bloom. Did you know that you can’t just enjoy flowers for their beauty, but some are also edible? Candied flowers are the perfect way to spruce up your spring desserts and make them almost too pretty to eat. Decorating your desserts with candied flowers and using them to add flavor takes them to the next level and adds a whimsical touch that flowers made of icing can only hope to achieve.

What Flowers Are Edible?

You’d be surprised by how many flowers are edible! If you’re uncertain, it’s always best to check whether or not a flower is edible before you candy it, as some are not recommended for people with certain health conditions and others are downright poisonous. That said, you have a wide array of options to choose from when selecting candied flowers for your spring desserts.

Some edible flowers that can be used for flavor and decoration include:

Roses
Lilacs
Lavender
Borage
Johnny jump-ups
Hibiscus
Begonias
Pansies
Orchids
Mums
Dahlias
Violets
And more!

Flowers that have sturdier petals are better for candying, due to the fact that they are less likely to shrivel up under the weight of the egg whites and sugar. It’s important that you know the flowers you use are indeed edible and that you don’t use flowers from a florist or grocery store, as these have likely been treated with pesticides, which are not safe to eat.

Many stores will sell candied flowers, and it is also quite easy to grow your own, which is also good because you know precisely what is on your flowers. It’s crucial that you only use flowers that have been specifically grown for consumption.

Spring Desserts With Candied Flowers

Now that we’ve touched on some of the flowers that are edible, let’s dive into some candied flower dessert ideas! While you can just use your candied flowers as decoration, they can also add flavor. Different flowers have different flavors that will last for varying lengths of time. If you’re curious, it’s always a good idea to check, in order to ensure you aren’t putting a flower with a citrusy taste on something you don’t want citrusy at all!

#1. Candied Flowers

While candied flowers can be added to other desserts, you can also enjoy them on their own. It’s quite simple to candy flowers. All you need to do is brush them with egg white and then sprinkle them with sugar. Leave them to dry, and then voila! Candied flowers.

#2. Almond Fairy Cakes With Candied Rose Petals

Fairy cakes and cupcakes are often used as interchangeable terms, when they’re really not. A fairy cake is a lighter, dantier cake that tends to use glaze or fondant instead of a heavy layer of frosting. These delicate cakes topped with candied rose petals are a truly elegant dessert with just the right amount of sweetness.

#3. Lavender Shortbread

This is a classic for a reason. Lavender is lovely not only for relaxation, but also as a flavor in this rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Delicate, flavorful, and so very beautiful, especially when topped with candied flowers. This is a perfect spring treat.

#4. Flower Popsicles

As the weather starts heating up, it’s a great time to start making popsicles, and what better way to give them a unique spin than with edible flowers? Flower popsicles will get their flavor from whatever dried flower you use, so make sure it’s a tasty one. Not only will they taste good, but they’re simply gorgeous when they come out of the freezer too.

#5. Violet Macarons

Macarons are light and airy cookies with just the right amount of filling to give them some extra flavor without bogging them down. Macarons can be difficult to get right, but when you do, the payoff is more than worth it, especially with some candied violets enhancing the flavor experience.

#6. Lilac Almond Scones

Both lilac and almonds have mild flavors, so combined, they make for a quietly floral scone that is both simple and delicious to make. Serve with a complimentary tea for the perfect afternoon tea time dessert.

#7. Strawberry And Pansy Tarts

For something tasty and beautiful, try strawberry and pansy tarts (but then, don’t all of these desserts with candied flowers fit that bill?). The flavors of the strawberries and the pansies work well together, not to mention, a cute little tart with a candied flower on top is sure to bring the magic to your spring day.

These are but a few ideas of desserts you can make with candied flowers this spring. Kitchen Kneads can help you by providing you with the tools and ingredients needed in order to help you make whatever recipe you desire. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us with any questions.

This year, we’ve had so many spring holidays all in one month – Easter, Passover, Ramadan, and just spring in general! Whether you’re celebrating a special holiday or you just want to host a gathering with seasonal dishes, these delectable spring holiday dishes help you shake off the cold of winter and welcome spring’s new life and sun. We’ll tackle the holidays in alphabetical order and give you one dish for each, plus two that are perfect for the spring season in general.

You don’t need to celebrate a holiday to enjoy these dishes! They’re wonderful for everyone to try, regardless of what you do or do not celebrate the holidays they can be served during. Spring is associated with new life, so why not try something new, after all? From sweet, to savory, and back again, you’re sure to find something you enjoy with these delicious spring holiday dishes.

Kolachi Nut Rolls

This Eastern European sweet nut roll is a delicacy often enjoyed on holidays, such as Easter. Kolaches themselves are incredibly variable depending on where you are. For some people, a kolachi is any type of cake; for others, it’s like a fruit or cheese danish. The kolachi we’re talking about is a sweet nut roll that is often enjoyed during Christmas and Easter and other special occasions.

Also called orechovnik, this spring holiday dish consists of a slightly sweet bread with a nutty filling. In order to make it, you’ll mix together a sweet enriched yeast dough and then spread the filling across it and roll it up in a log shape. You’ll need to allot time for the dough to rise before you put the filling on it.

Once baked, you can brush it with oil, drizzle some icing on top, or sprinkle some powdered sugar before cutting it up and serving.

Matzo Ball Soup

There are many dishes people enjoy for seder, including matzo ball soup. Children and adults alike love to see this chicken soup with matzo balls among their Passover seder courses. Matzo ball soup is tasty and easy to make, though it causes some division: some people prefer light and fluffy matzo balls that float while others like the denser dumplings that sink in the broth.

As such, recipes vary, according to personal preference. In general, though, you’ll start off by making your matzo balls. Refrigerating them and then cooking them prior to adding them to the soup ensures that they won’t fall apart. Then, you’ll make your chicken soup and add the matzo balls. You’ll want to simmer until the matzo balls are cooked all the way through before serving.

Stuffed Dates

It’s traditional to break fast with dates. After not having had anything to eat or drink since before the sun rose, stuffed dates are quick and easy to make as it’s setting, so you don’t need to spend forever waiting for them to be ready. Stuffed dates are a delicious dish to serve for Iftar, and can be done in many different ways, both sweet and savory.

Some ways that you can make this healthy treat are:

Almonds, dark chocolate, and coconut make your dates taste like a chocolate bar.
Stuffing your dates with peanut butter and covering them in chocolate is perfect for those who like the peanut butter chocolate combination.
Almonds and crème fraiche garnished with toasted almonds is the ultimate in quick and easy.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is in season, making this a perfect spring holiday dish. Not to mention, it’s quick and easy, like most of these other spring holiday dishes. Asparagus is very healthy, and when you use olive oil to roast it, you’re using a healthy fat, too! This is a fantastic side dish, as it compliments many different main dishes, from pasta to chicken and more.

Since this is roasted, you’ll cover your asparagus spears with your garlic and parmesan mixture and then stick them in the oven until the topping has turned that perfect golden brown. So yummy and flavorful, so easy, so quick, and pretty healthy!

Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

These soft buttery cookies are ideal for spring luncheons, especially with the floral element the lavender provides. Combining edible flowers with melt-in-your-mouth lemon shortbread makes for a perfectly seasonal treat that people won’t be able to have just one of! Lemon and lavender compliment each other beautifully, and using powdered sugar in your recipe ensures that your cookies will have that enviable texture.

Kitchen Kneads has a wide variety of appliances and ingredients to help you make whatever spring holiday dishes you desire. Take a look through our catalog and contact us if you have any questions.

Introducing our deliciously guilt-free Vegan Sugar Cookies! Made with a passion for plant-based baking, these delectable treats are perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking for a delightful cruelty-free indulgence. Our cookies are crafted with the finest vegan ingredients, ensuring a delightful taste and texture that rivals traditional sugar cookies. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with a subtle sweetness that will satisfy your cravings without any animal products. Whether you’re hosting a vegan gathering, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, our Vegan Sugar Cookies are a delightful choice that will leave you wanting more. Indulge in these scrumptious creations that are not only good for your taste buds but also good for the planet. Try our Vegan Sugar Cookies today and experience the perfect blend of compassion and flavor in every bite!Soft vegan sugar cookies that hold their cookie cutter shapes! Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any other holiday. Have fun with easy icing and sprinkles of course!

Vegan Sugar Cookie

Ingredients

3/4 cup vegan butter Earth Balance preferred, slightly softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional, but so good
2-2 1/4 cups all purpose flour divided (correctly measured) (can use a substitute)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Easy Icing

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional
1 tablespoon light corn syrup can omit, but it makes the icing very shiny
1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl either using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the vegan butter for about 1 minute until creamy and smooth. Add the sugar and beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and light.
Now add in the almond milk, cornstarch, vanilla and almond extract (if using). Beat on high until it is all fully combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add 1 cup of the flour to the wet mixture. Sprinkle the baking powder and salt on top of the flour. Mix on low speed, until just combined. Now add 1 more cup of the flour and continue to mix on low until just combined; don’t over mix. The dough should feel similar to play dough when you work it in your hands, but it will look crumbly in the bowl. If it seems too wet for rolling, add another 1/4 cup of flour. You want the dough to be thick, but not dry. I always use the full 2 1/4 cups of flour. If the dough is too wet, your cookies will spread.
Using a spatula, scoop all of the dough out of the bowl; use your hands if needed to push it all together. Divide the dough in half and roll into two balls.
On a flat surface, add a sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle a little flour on it, then add half the dough. Sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough, and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top. Repeat for the second ball of dough, and then stack them with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Once the dough has been chilled, set it on the counter for 10 minutes while the oven is preheating to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Continue re-rolling the dough until it is all used.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, in the middle rack of the oven, until very lightly colored on top and around the edges. They will appear underdone, but they will firm up considerably as they cool. Let them cool for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to let cool completely before icing.

Easy Icing
Whisk all icing ingredients in a bowl. If it seems too thick, add a little more almond milk. It should be smooth, glossy and not runny. If too runny, add more powdered sugar. You can dip the cookies in the icing, or use brushes, spoons or a squeeze bottle. See this helpful video on how to decorate sugar cookies with icing.
*If you want really pretty cookies, first make the icing thicker, by using only 1 tablespoon of almond milk. Using a decorating tip, outline the cookies with the thicker icing. Then add a little more milk to thin it and flood the inside with icing. This way the icing doesn’t spill over the cookie edges.
Decorate with sprinkles as desired. The icing will take several hours to harden completely. The cookies will stay soft for about 5 days at room temperature.

Notes

Try to get the Earth Balance sticks if you can; they are easier to bake with. Results will vary with other brands of vegan butter.
Almond extract is optional but it adds a very good flavor to both the cookies and the icing, so use it if you can.
To correctly measure flour, make sure to spoon and level by scooping the flour into the measuring cup with a spoon and level it off with the back of a knife. If you don’t correctly measure the flour, you can end up with way too much flour and the dough will be dry!
If you aren’t comfortable using corn syrup, you may omit it. I rarely use it, but it makes cookie icing pretty and shiny and it’s just 1 tablespoon.
Baked sugar cookies freeze well, but don’t freeze them once frosted.

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What Flowers Are Edible?