If you adore the subtle but sophisticated flavors that a cup of Earl Grey tea brings, then wait until you try this charming Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies are buttery, delicate, and infused with fragrant bergamot notes from the finely ground tea leaves, making them a delightful treat to accompany your afternoon tea or to share with friends. Perfectly crisp yet tender, this cookie recipe strikes a beautiful balance between classic shortbread simplicity and a unique twist that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients will lead you straight to cookie bliss. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor, from the creamy richness of the butter to the unique citrus aroma from Earl Grey tea.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes shortbread irresistibly tender and crumbly.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a smooth sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavor and complements the tea’s citrus notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure behind the dough ensuring a perfect shortbread bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens the overall flavor profile.
- Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient, infusing the cookies with their signature bergamot fragrance and gentle tea flavor.
How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar using an electric mixer. You want to achieve a light and fluffy texture, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential because it creates air pockets in the dough, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth cookie after baking.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition deepens the flavor and balances the sharp bergamot notes from the Earl Grey tea, ensuring a harmonious taste in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Grinding the tea leaves finely is crucial to avoid a gritty texture while spreading that lovely aromatic flavor throughout the cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as everything comes together to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to slice and ensuring that the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. This preparation will make baking and cleanup a breeze.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Remove the dough logs from the fridge and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for gentle spreading. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until their edges turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as you want that classic shortbread tender snap.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. If you want to add a special touch, consider drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract once the cookies are cool. This adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A gentle dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of lemon glaze pairs beautifully with the citrus tones in the cookies. You can also sprinkle a few crushed dried lavender petals for a floral note that complements the bergamot.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a warm cup of tea, especially a matching Earl Grey or a mild green tea. For an indulgent treat, serve them with a small bowl of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies elegantly on a tiered dessert tray at a tea party or pack a few into a pretty box with a ribbon as a charming homemade gift. You can even serve the cookies with a small pot of honey or marmalade to spread, amplifying their delightful flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your shortbread cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp and tasty for up to one week, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with loved ones.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped, unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then slice and bake as described. Baked cookies also freeze well—store them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This will refresh their crispness and release the lovely aromas of the Earl Grey infusion.
FAQs
Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Loose leaf Earl Grey tea often has a fresher, more intense flavor. Just make sure to grind the leaves very finely so they incorporate smoothly into the dough without affecting the cookie texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar by pulsing it in a food processor to create a finer texture, but for the best of that classic shortbread crumbly texture, powdered sugar is recommended.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough helps the butter solidify, so the cookies don’t spread too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld, giving you that perfectly tender yet defined cookie shape.
Can I add other flavors to this Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! A little lemon zest, ground cardamom, or even a touch of lavender can complement the bergamot beautifully. Just remember to keep additions subtle so the Earl Grey remains the star.
How should I grind the tea leaves for the recipe?
The best approach is to use a small spice grinder or mortar and pestle to finely grind the tea leaves. If you skip this step and use larger leaves, the texture might be coarse, which could affect the cookie’s delicate crumb.
Final Thoughts
This Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a beautiful marriage of simplicity and elegance, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their homemade cookies with a fragrant twist. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to impress and delight. So grab those ingredients, warm up your oven, and treat yourself to a little slice of tea-infused heaven—you won’t regret it!
Print
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the subtle citrus and bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea with these buttery shortbread cookies. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies combine fragrant tea leaves with classic shortbread for a sophisticated treat ideal for tea time or any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookie Dough
- 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 Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves ensuring the tea is evenly distributed.
- Form the Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it.
- Shape and Chill: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an optional finishing touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Notes
- Grinding the Earl Grey tea leaves finely ensures an even flavor and avoids a gritty texture in the cookies.
- Refrigerating the dough is key to getting clean, even slices and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle lightly over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
