Blend about 3 tablespoons of culinary lavender with a cup of granulated sugar in a food processor until fine. Strain and set aside half for frosting and half to roll cookie dough.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Cream softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla paste, mixing until smooth. Combine with dry ingredients to form dough.

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll in lavender sugar, and place on ungreased sheets, flattening slightly.

Bake for 9-10 minutes until golden around edges and soft in center. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to racks.

Beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and reserved lavender until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

Once cooled, frost cookies with lavender cream cheese frosting as desired.