Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Earl Grey Cookies bring a delicate, floral, and citrusy twist to your classic shortbread cookies. Infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea and a buttery texture, these cookies make the perfect pairing with your afternoon tea or coffee. Simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they offer a sophisticated treat with a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags)
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp salt
Optional Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies
Divide the dough in half and roll it into logs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat & Slice
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Optional Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
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Grind the tea finely: Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for an even infusion.
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Chill the dough: This helps in slicing clean rounds and prevents spreading during baking.
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Don’t overbake: The cookies should be lightly golden, not browned.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Earl Grey Cookies with:
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Hot Earl Grey Tea ☕
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Coffee or Cappuccino ☕
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Vanilla Ice Cream 🍦
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Lemon Curd for a citrusy touch 🍋
Storage & Freezing Tips
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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Freeze the cookie dough logs for up to 3 months; slice and bake as needed.
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Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
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Lavender Earl Grey Cookies: Add ½ tsp dried lavender for a floral aroma.
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Chocolate Earl Grey Cookies: Stir in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips.
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Lemon Earl Grey Cookies: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to enhance the citrusy notes.
FAQs
Can I use tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea?
Yes! Simply cut open 2 tea bags and use the finely ground tea leaves in the dough.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour in a 1:1 ratio.
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