There’s a certain magic in enjoying a cup of tea paired with a perfectly baked cookie. One bite, and the aroma of the tea mingles with the buttery sweetness, creating a cozy, comforting experience. If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your afternoon tea or simply indulge in a delicate, sophisticated treat, Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are the perfect solution.
These cookies take the classic buttery shortbread you know and love and infuse it with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. The result is a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that carries the subtle essence of bergamot with every bite. They’re simple enough for a casual afternoon snack but refined enough to serve at a gathering or special occasion. Baking these cookies can also be a calming ritual, the act of blending fragrant tea leaves into soft, golden dough turning your kitchen into a fragrant haven.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply a lover of delicate cookies, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies offer an elegant twist on a timeless favorite, perfect for gifting, snacking, or pairing with your favorite cup of tea.
Recipe Overview
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender cookies subtly infused with the citrusy flavor of Earl Grey tea. Crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and lightly sweetened, they offer a sophisticated flavor profile that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Simple to prepare yet refined in taste, these cookies are perfect for tea time, casual treats, or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s everything you need to create these elegant cookies, along with tips for the best results.
Ingredients
- 10 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract for a milder flavor)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped Earl Grey leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a food processor, combine butter, icing sugar, flour, salt, Earl Grey leaves, and extract. Pulse until the mixture forms a smooth dough. Avoid overmixing—just enough to bring the ingredients together ensures tender cookies.
Pro Tip: For a finer texture, pulse in short bursts to evenly distribute the tea leaves throughout the dough.
2. Shape and Chill
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each into a log about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Tip: You can refrigerate longer or even overnight—just slice and bake when ready.
3. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Proper lining prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
4. Slice the Cookies
Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces. Try to keep them uniform for even baking.
Pro Tip: Wipe the knife clean between slices to prevent crumb build-up for neat, smooth edges.
5. Arrange on Baking Pan
Place the cookies on the lined baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each. This prevents the cookies from spreading into one another.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven until the bottoms are barely golden, about 10 minutes. Keep a close eye, as overbaking can dry out these delicate cookies.
Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
7. Cool Completely
Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. As they cool, they firm up slightly, achieving the perfect crisp-tender texture.
Serving Tip: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Baking Tips & Variations
1. Flavor Variations
- Vanilla Earl Grey: Use a combination of vanilla and Earl Grey extract for a subtle, layered flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to enhance the tea’s natural citrus notes.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Dip cooled cookies in dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
2. Texture Tips
- Use cold butter for a slightly flakier texture, or softened butter for a more tender cookie.
- Ensure the dough is firmly chilled before slicing to maintain crisp edges.
3. Serving Ideas
- Pair with hot Earl Grey tea or a lightly brewed coffee.
- Include on a cookie platter for parties, or gift in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade present.
4. Storage
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the sliced logs before baking and bake as needed.
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery richness and fragrant tea notes. Their simplicity in preparation belies their sophisticated flavor, making them perfect for both casual tea breaks and elegant gatherings. Crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and lightly aromatic, these cookies bring a touch of elegance to your everyday moments.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or as a gift for a friend, these cookies are sure to impress. A simple recipe, yet one that turns your kitchen into a fragrant retreat and your tea time into a special ritual.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute vanilla for Earl Grey extract?
Yes! Vanilla extract works beautifully if you prefer a more neutral flavor or cannot find Earl Grey extract.
2. How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen as dough logs before baking.
3. Can I use pre-ground tea leaves?
Yes, finely ground or chopped Earl Grey leaves work best to distribute flavor evenly throughout the cookie.
4. Can I make them dairy-free?
Substitute butter with vegan margarine or plant-based butter. Ensure the icing sugar is free from dairy-based additives.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly and slicing evenly helps maintain shape. Avoid over-softening the butter.
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are buttery, delicate, and infused with fragrant tea leaves. Perfect for tea time, gifting, or a sophisticated homemade treat.