🍪Desserts remind me of poems—they’re short and sweet. Here is a poem written by a friend of the Dreamer in The Reader’s Realm.

About The Author 🍪🥛🍯

Jazz has worn many hats in her life but this year she is finding where her path is with writing. Journaling and writing poetry has always been a way she found ease with expressing herself. Writing for this publication has been very exciting for her, it will be her first one and she is very grateful for the opportunity.

🍯🥛Sleepy Honey Milk and Chamomile Cookies🍪

The best of Milk, Tea and Cookies in every bite

Recipe:

Recipe Information

Total Time: ~1 hour (plus chill time)
Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
Category: Moonlight Munchies – Midnight Snacks

🥗 Dietary Information

✅ Vegetarian
✅ Can be made Dairy-Free (with plant-based butter)
❌ Not Gluten-Free by default

⚠ Potential Sensitivities

• 🧈 Contains Dairy (swap for vegan butter if needed)
• 🌾 Contains Gluten
• 🌼 Contains Chamomile (substitute if allergic to ragweed or similar plants)

🌿 Substitutions & Notes

• Gluten-Free Option: May be possible with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour, though texture may be slightly more delicate—chill dough thoroughly and handle gently.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter.
• Flavor Variations: To help beat spring sluggishness, I swapped part of the chamomile with elderflower, which pairs beautifully and adds a gentle brightness.
• You can also try lavender, lemon balm, or even a touch of ginger for a warmer twist.

🍪 Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 🌿 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Soothing richness for slow evenings
• 🌿 ½ cup sugar – Sweetness to settle into sleep
• 🌿 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers (or 3 tea bags) – Traditionally calming; feel free to swap half with elderflower
• 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract – Velvety warmth
• 🌿 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Soft support (use 1:1 gluten-free flour if desired)
• 🌿 ¼ tsp salt – To balance the sweetness

Chamomile Glaze

• 🌿 ½ cup powdered sugar – A gentle shimmer of sweetness
• 🌿 2 tbsp strong chamomile tea (or chamomile-elderflower blend), cooled – A floral hug
• 🌿 ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional) – A soft echo of the dough

🔪 Method

1. Infuse the Butter

• Melt butter over low heat.
• Stir in chamomile (and elderflower if using) and steep for 5–10 minutes.
• Strain, then chill butter until solid but soft.

2. Make the Dough

• Cream the infused butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla, flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
• Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes for best stamping results.

3. Shape & Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut into circles.
• Bake 10–12 minutes until just golden at the edges.
• While still warm, gently stamp cookies with your favorite design.

4. Make the Glaze

• Whisk powdered sugar and tea until smooth.
• Drizzle over cooled cookies or brush for a soft glaze effect.

✨ Extra Touches

✅ Garnish with edible flowers or dried petals
✅ Add lemon zest or a tiny splash of almond extract to the glaze
✅ Sprinkle raw sugar before baking for a touch of texture

✨ Best Enjoyed…

• On quiet nights, as a gentle reward before rest
• After herbal baths, wrapped in your softest robe
• While writing dreams into your journal, letting sweetness linger
• With your sleepy milk, watching the moon shift through the clouds

🍵 Suggested Teas

• 🌙 Chamomile-elderflower blend – calming and supportive against spring sniffles
• 🍯 Honey lavender rooibos – naturally sweet and grounding
• 🌼 Lemon balm & ginger – for extra warmth and stomach comfort

🍽 Suggested Pairings

• A mug of warmed plant or dairy milk with honey and cinnamon
• Fresh berries or figs drizzled with agave
• A few slices of apple or pear with nut butter
• Rain or thunder sounds, and a dimly lit room