Name: Orange Shortbread Cookies Infuses With Safflower and Sage Recipe
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Dried Safflower; ¼ tsp Dried Sage; 1 cup LĒVO Unrefined Coconut Oil; ½ cup Safflower–Sage Infused Coconut Oil (solid, not melted); 3 tbsp Maple Syrup (or Coconut Sugar); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 tsp Orange Zest; 1 ¾ cups Blanched Almond Flour; 2 tbsp Arrowroot Starch or Tapioca Flour (helps them hold shape); Pinch of Sea Salt Turmeric (for color)

Shortbread cookies are timeless — simple, soft, and buttery with just a handful of ingredients. This infused version created by TriDereka Hall @myblackgirlroots adds a beautiful seasonal twist using a homemade safflower, sage, and orange–infused coconut oil prepared in the LĒVO II+ infusion machine.

The result is a delicate vegan, gluten-free cookie with bright citrus notes and warm herbal undertones. These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are perfect for sharing as a holiday gift.

These cookies package beautifully, store well in the fridge, and bring a “made with care” vibe as a holiday gift. With their soft, tender crumb and aromatic citrus-herbal flavor, they’re ideal for friends, family, teachers, or anyone who loves a thoughtful treat like homemade shortbread cookies

Why Infused Shotbread Cookies Make the Perfect Gift

These orange shortbread cookies are naturally sturdy and travel well, making them one of the best cookie styles for gifting. This infused version takes that reliability and elevates it with a seasonal flavor profile built around:

Safflower petals for a naturally golden hue and gentle floral softness
Dried sage for a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with citrus
Orange zest for a bright, festive aroma

Vegan and Gluten-Free

Because the base of these orange shortbread cookies is made with infused unrefined coconut oil, the cookies stay rich and creamy without dairy — a bonus when gifting across dietary preferences. Their simple ingredients and wholesome flavors make them both nostalgic and modern at the same time.

The Infused Coconut Oil: The Heart of the Recipe

The magic of this recipe starts with the infused coconut oil. Using the LĒVO II+, the creator combined dried safflower petals and a touch of sage with unrefined coconut oil, infusing them at a steady 165°F for 2.5 hours.

This slow and controlled process allows the botanicals to release their aroma, natural color, and qualities into the oil without overheating. The result is a beautifully tinted oil with subtle herbal warmth and vibrant safflower color — perfect for baking. Once the oil solidifies, it behaves much like traditional butter in a classic shortbread recipe, lending structure and richness.

Bringing the Cookie Dough Together

With the infused oil ready, the rest of this homemade recipe for shortbread cookies comes together quickly. Almond flour creates the classic tender shortbread crumb, while arrowroot or tapioca helps the cookies hold their shape. A splash of maple syrup and vanilla brings sweetness and depth, and orange zest brightens every bite.

Roll, Portion, and Bake

Because shortbread cookie dough is naturally soft, a quick chill helps make it easier to roll or portion. After 12–15 minutes in the oven, these delicious orange shortbread cookies emerge lightly golden around the edges. The cookies then firm up perfectly as they cool. They’re lovely on their own or can be topped with icing, herbs, or melted chocolate for an extra festive finish.

Gifting Infused Shortbread Cookies for the Holidays

These cookies shine as part of a gifting set. Their pretty golden color and specks of orange zest make them visually appealing, and their sturdy-yet-tender texture ensures they hold up well in packaging.

A simple way to gift them is to include these infused orange shortbread cookies in the LĒVO “Sharing Is Caring” Kit. Seal them in LĒVO bags using the heat sealer, and tie with ribbon or twine for the perfect finishing touch. Add a handwritten note and store the cookies in the fridge until it‘s time for gifting.

Featured LĒVO Tools & Ingredients

LĒVO II+ – for precise botanical infusion at controlled temperatures
LĒVO Unrefined Coconut Oil – rich, aromatic base perfect for vegan baking
Power Pod – ideal for holding safflower and sage during infusionLĒVO Silicone
Storage & Gifting Tools – for wrapping and gifting finished treats

Final Thoughts

These Safflower & Sage Infused Orange Shortbread Cookies are a beautiful example of how simple ingredients, thoughtful infusions, and seasonal flavors can come together to create a meaningful homemade gift. With the help of LĒVO, infusing botanicals becomes easy and reliable — allowing bakers of all skill levels to create treats that feel personal, festive, and made with love.

LĒVO would also like to thank TriDereka Hall for her amazing recipe contribution. You can find TriDereka through her socials at:

Instagram: @myblackgirlroots https://instagram.com/myblackgirlroots

TikTok: @myblackgirlroots https://tiktok.com/@myblackgirlroots

Facebook: TriDereka Hall https://facebook.com/tridereka

YouTube: @myblackgirlroots https://youtube.com/@myblackgirlroots

Get the Full Safflower & Sage Infused Orange Shortbread Recipe

Find the complete ingredient list, infusion settings, and step-by-step instructions below:

Orange Shortbread Cookies Infuses With Safflower and Sage Recipe

Rated 5 stars by 1 users

Author:

TriDereka Hall

Creative, bright, and earthy orange shortbread cookies with the LEVO II+ infusion machine. This shortbread cookie recipe is vegan and gluten-free, but these cookies have a soft and buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Give them as a homemade gift for the holidays!

Image of Orange Shortbread Cookies Infuses With Safflower and Sage Recipe

Ingredients

Infusion Ingredients

3 tbsp Dried Safflower
¼ tsp Dried Sage
1 cup LĒVO Unrefined Coconut Oil

Shortbread Ingredients

½ cup Safflower–Sage Infused Coconut Oil (solid, not melted)
3 tbsp Maple Syrup (or Coconut Sugar)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Orange Zest
1 ¾ cups Blanched Almond Flour
2 tbsp Arrowroot Starch or Tapioca Flour (helps them hold shape)
Pinch of Sea Salt Turmeric (for color)

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Directions

Oil Infusion:

Add dried herbs to the pod
Add 1 cup of the coconut oil to the reservoir
Set Infusion at 165F for 2.5 Hours

Shortbread Cookie Recipe Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix infused coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and orange zest until creamy.
Add almond flour, arrowroot starch, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Roll dough into small balls or flatten slightly for cookies. (You can chill the dough for 10–15 minutes if it’s too soft.)
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are just golden.
Cool completely before moving and they’ll firm up as they rest.

They are best stored in the fridge to keep shape.
Top them with your favorite icing and herbs or melted chocolate!

Recipe Note

Store these orange shortbread cookies in the fridge until it's time to eat or gift. Try the Sharing Is Caring Kit once you're ready to travel and gift these delicious and creative cookies.

Not a fan of safflower or sage? Try this shortbread cookie with different botanicals and flavors until you find your signature infusion blend! Try lemon with lavender and dandelion, or get adventurous with kumquat and thyme.

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Orange Shortbread Cookies Infused With Safflower and Sage