If you adore the delicate floral notes of Earl Grey and the buttery crumbly texture of classic shortbread, then this Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies perfectly balance the fragrant bergamot essence from the tea leaves with the richness of buttery dough, offering a sophisticated yet comfortingly simple bite. Whether you’re serving them for an afternoon tea, gifting them to friends, or just sneaking a few with your own cup of tea, these cookies hit every note just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe lies in its handful of straightforward, staple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from butter providing that melt-in-your-mouth texture to the finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves infusing delightful citrusy flavor. Together, these essentials create a cookie that’s both timeless and surprisingly elegant.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures creamy texture and lets you control the saltiness precisely.
- Powdered sugar: This creates a smooth sweetness that dissolves seamlessly into the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base for the shortbread’s crumbly goodness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the nuanced flavors.
- Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves: The star ingredient that imparts that signature bergamot aroma and taste, finely ground so it’s evenly distributed without any roughness.
How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla Extract
Next, pour in the vanilla extract. This little addition adds a lovely depth and warmth that complements the aromatic tea notes beautifully. Stir it in thoroughly for consistent flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. This dry mix needs to be evenly blended so that the tea flavor infuses every bite without clumps.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, then shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and chilling for at least one hour helps the dough firm up for easier slicing and ensures the cookies hold their shape when baked.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While your dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, unwrap the dough logs and slice them into rounds roughly 1/4-inch thick. Place each slice about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden color — this slight browning adds a lovely subtle nuttiness.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy them as-is or get creative with a drizzle of simple glaze to add a touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies visually and flavor-wise, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. You could even sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra ground Earl Grey on top for a charming final touch.
Side Dishes
These shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, obviously! Earl Grey tea is a natural match, amplifying the flavors. Or, try them alongside a scoop of vanilla or lavender ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Fresh berries also make a lovely accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, arrange your cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper. Wrap bundles with a ribbon and a small handwritten note about the Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe for a heartfelt, homemade touch. They also look stunning stacked in a clear jar, showing off their delicate flecks of tea leaves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cookies will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This makes them perfect for baking ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week without losing their signature crispness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies well in advance, you can freeze the shaped dough logs (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil) for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with slicing and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen, though the dough method preserves freshness best.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies if they’ve softened over time, warm them briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This will restore some of the crisp crumbly texture we all love about shortbread.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea instead of Earl Grey?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor is unique and traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other finely ground teas like chai or lavender for interesting flavor twists. Just make sure to grind the leaves finely for a smooth texture.
What kind of butter should I use?
Use unsalted butter to have full control over the salt content in your cookies. It’s best if it’s softened to room temperature — this ensures it creams well with the sugar, yielding a soft and airy dough.
Can I add decoration to these cookies?
Definitely! A light drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice is a popular option. Sprinkling a tiny bit of extra finely ground Earl Grey tea or edible flower petals can also enhance their elegance and appeal.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. However, results may vary slightly since gluten affects texture. It’s best to choose a blend with xanthan gum for better crumb structure.
How do I grind the Earl Grey tea leaves?
Remove the tea leaves from about 3 Earl Grey tea bags and pulse them in a coffee grinder or spice grinder in short bursts until finely ground. This step is crucial to avoid leaf fragments that could make the cookies gritty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of buttery shortbread infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea, and this Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies feel both comforting and refined in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how easy and rewarding baking can be when you add a little tea-inspired love.
Print
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these buttery Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, infused with the fragrant and citrusy notes of finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, these cookies are a sophisticated treat for tea time or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 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 and stir to combine. 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 the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Bake: Remove dough logs from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Finely grind the Earl Grey tea leaves to avoid any gritty texture in cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining cookie shape and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or lemon juice until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
