These Earl Grey shortbread cookies are a buttery, fragrant delight infused with the floral and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. With their crisp texture and subtle sweetness, they’re the perfect treat for tea lovers or anyone who enjoys a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicate Flavor: The finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves impart a beautifully nuanced flavor that’s aromatic and calming.
Perfect Texture: Buttery and crumbly, these cookies strike the ideal balance of tenderness and crispness.
Easy to Make: The recipe requires simple, everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
Customizable: Add a drizzle of glaze or a touch of zest for a personalized twist.
Great for Gifting: These cookies look and taste elegant, making them a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 3 tea bags)
Directions
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, I beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
I mix in the vanilla extract with the butter mixture. In a separate bowl, I whisk the flour, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
Shape and Chill the Dough:
Dividing the dough into two portions, I roll each into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Preheat the Oven:
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Slice and Bake:
After removing the dough from the fridge, I slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds, placing the slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. I bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
I let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a touch of extra sweetness, I drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Calories: 140 kcal per cookie
Variations
Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright flavor boost.
Chocolate Drizzle: Dip or drizzle the cookies with melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent finish.
Herbal Infusion: Substitute the Earl Grey with lavender or chamomile tea for a different floral note.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant friends.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: For longer storage, the unbaked dough logs or baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before slicing or serving.
Reheating: To refresh the cookies, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes.
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FAQs
How do I grind Earl Grey tea leaves finely?
I use a spice grinder or crush the leaves with a mortar and pestle to achieve a fine texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but I omit the added salt to balance the flavor.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to glaze the cookies?
I drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies with a spoon or use a piping bag for more precise designs.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes, they’re perfect for gifting! I package them in decorative tins or boxes for an elegant presentation.
Conclusion
These Earl Grey shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines the buttery richness of classic shortbread with the sophisticated aroma of Earl Grey tea. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or share them as a thoughtful gift, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and savor the elegance in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Earl Grey shortbread cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat infused with the floral and citrusy aroma of Earl Grey tea. Perfect for tea lovers, these elegant cookies are simple to make, customizable, and ideal for gifting.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 3 tea bags)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients:
- Add vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Chill the Dough:
- Divide dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Slice and Bake:
- Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange slices 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Notes
For a citrusy touch, add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 140 kcal
