If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your cookie game to something truly special, the Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe is calling your name. These cookies are a perfect balance of buttery richness and the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea, making each bite feel like a cozy afternoon in your favorite tearoom. With its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday shortbread into an elegant treat that’s bound to impress friends, family, or just give you a little moment of peaceful indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the tender texture and unique flavor profile of these cookies. From smooth butter to the distinct aroma of Earl Grey tea, every element enhances the final bite.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (2 sticks): The foundation for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
- Powdered sugar, 1/2 cup: Gives the cookies a fine sweetness and smooth consistency.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds warmth and depth to balance the tea’s notes.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The structure of your cookies, providing that classic crumbly bite.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, 2 tablespoons (about 3 tea bags): The star ingredient infuses those signature bergamot citrus tones that make these shortbreads unforgettable.
How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This crucial step ensures your shortbread will have that wonderfully tender texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the vanilla extract for that subtle, warm aroma. The vanilla works in harmony with the Earl Grey to round out the cookie’s flavor, so don’t skip this step.
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 evenly distributes the vibrant tea flavor throughout the dough, so each cookie packs a fragrant punch.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything comes together beautifully.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Divide your dough into two equal portions, then roll each into a 2-inch diameter log. Wrap these logs tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least one hour until firm. Chilling the dough isn’t just about convenience — it helps the flavors meld and makes slicing the cookies easier.
Step 6: Prepare and Preheat Oven
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place them a full inch apart on your prepared baking sheets, allowing room for a little spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a delicate golden color — this is when shortbread is at its best: crisp at the edges and tender inside.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Glaze
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to take these from delicious to divine, try a light drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. It adds a sweet shimmer and a hint of extra indulgence.
How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies taste amazing on their own, but a little extra touch can elevate the experience. Consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of finely ground Earl Grey tea on top before baking or dusting with a bit of powdered sugar after glazing to create a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these shortbread cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a perfectly harmonious experience. Alternatively, a light citrus-infused fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully, especially for a special afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these cookies at a gathering or gifting them, stack them neatly in a decorated tin or arrange them around a teapot on a tea tray. Wrapping the logs of dough in wax paper and tying with a ribbon before baking can turn the prep stage itself into a thoughtful homemade gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Earl Grey shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, letting you enjoy that buttery, tea-infused magic well after baking day. If they start to lose their crispness, a quick refresh in the oven will have them perfect again.
Freezing
The dough logs freeze wonderfully, which means you can prepare them ahead of time. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for cookies, slice and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If your cookies have been stored and lost a bit of their fresh-baked charm, warming them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes can revive their delicate crisp edges and buttery flavor. Just be sure to let them cool slightly before digging in!
FAQs
Can I use loose-leaf Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Using loose-leaf Earl Grey tea is perfect for this recipe. Just grind the leaves finely so they blend seamlessly into the dough and release their signature flavors fully.
What makes shortbread different from regular cookies?
Shortbread uses a higher butter-to-flour ratio compared to other cookies, which gives it that tender, crumbly texture that almost melts in your mouth. It’s typically less sweet and focuses on rich, buttery flavor.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or another fat?
Butter is key here for flavor and texture. Margarine or other fats might change the taste and consistency of your shortbread, making it less rich and possibly affecting the crispness.
How do I grind the Earl Grey tea leaves properly for this recipe?
The best way is to remove the leaves from the tea bags and pulse them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until they’re very fine. This lets the tea meld into the dough smoothly without any tough bits.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice neat cookies that keep their shape in the oven. It also enhances the flavors by letting the butter solidify and the tea infuse the dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way the Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly memorable. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or an elegant addition to your next gathering, these cookies bring warmth, charm, and an irresistible tea-infused flavor. I really hope you give them a try and fall in love just like I did!
Print
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies combine the classic buttery richness of traditional shortbread with the fragrant, citrusy aroma of finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Perfectly crisp yet tender, these cookies make a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea or a charming homemade gift.
Ingredients
Shortbread 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 creamed butter and sugar, mixing until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions and roll each 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: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Slice and Bake: Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an optional finishing touch, drizzle with a glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Notes
- Finely grinding the tea leaves ensures their flavor is evenly distributed without a gritty texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a decorative touch, try dipping half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate once cooled.
