Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that’s both elegant and delightfully simple, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the buttery richness of classic shortbread, elevated by the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea—perfect for afternoon tea, cozy evenings, or impressing friends at your next gathering. The dough comes together in a snap, and the result is a crisp, tender cookie that melts in your mouth and delivers a subtle, sophisticated twist on tradition. Whether you’re a lifelong tea lover or just looking for a unique bake, these cookies will make you swoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for the part it plays: butter brings richness, sugar offers sweetness, flour gives structure, and the Earl Grey tea infuses a gentle aroma that transforms every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of shortbread, providing that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture—be sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the cookies a delicate sweetness and keeps the crumb ultra-tender rather than gritty.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Classic shortbread structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape but stay perfectly crisp.
- Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (2 tablespoons, from about 4 tea bags): The star flavor—grind the leaves finely so they blend seamlessly into the dough and infuse every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the floral and citrus notes of the tea, adding warmth and depth.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and make all the flavors pop.
How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl, then add your softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it sets the foundation for a tender cookie. Once creamed, add your vanilla extract and mix until combined, letting that aroma whisk you away.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and salt. Make sure the tea is ground as fine as possible; you want its flavor to permeate every crumb of your shortbread. This dry blend is what gives the cookies their signature texture and delicate speckled look.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or on low speed. The dough will seem crumbly at first, but keep going—soon it will come together into a soft, cohesive mass. Avoid overmixing, as you want the cookies to stay tender and crisp rather than tough.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial: it makes slicing easier and ensures your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled dough and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the cookies about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long before sneaking a bite!
How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle the warm cookies with a little powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also zest a bit of lemon over the top for a subtle citrus sparkle that complements the tea beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies were practically made for tea time! Pair them with a steaming cup of Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or a floral herbal infusion. They also taste wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a bowl of fresh berries for a simple, elegant dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies and tying them with twine for a charming homemade gift. For parties, arrange them on a tiered cake stand with fresh flowers or edible petals for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can even dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate for a festive—or decadent—variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week. Place a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate edges.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the unbaked dough logs tightly in plastic and then in foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for fresh cookies, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, slice, and bake as usual. Baked cookies can also be frozen in a well-sealed container for up to a month—just let them come to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a bit of their crispness, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This will revive that signature snap and warm up the flavors, making your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Just be sure to grind the leaves finely before adding them to your dough. If your loose leaf tea has larger pieces, pulse them a few times in a spice grinder or food processor for even distribution.
What’s the best butter for these cookies?
High-quality, unsalted butter makes a world of difference in shortbread. European-style butters, which have a higher fat content, will give your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies the richest flavor and silkiest texture.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Yes! Lemon zest is a wonderful addition and pairs beautifully with Earl Grey’s citrus notes. You could also try a dash of lavender or a sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel for a unique twist.
Why does the dough need to be chilled?
Chilling the dough helps firm up the butter, making it easier to slice clean rounds and helping the cookies retain their shape while baking. It also lets the flavors meld and develop further.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges are just starting to turn golden and the tops look set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to brown all over—otherwise, they may become too crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your tea time or surprise someone with a truly special treat, don’t hesitate to try these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies. They’re easy enough for a cozy afternoon bake and impressive enough for gifting or entertaining. Give them a whirl, and you just might find yourself baking a second batch sooner than you think!
Print
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fragrant Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, buttery and subtly infused with the distinctive bergamot flavor of Earl Grey tea. Perfect for tea time or a light treat, these cookies offer a tender, crumbly texture with a hint of citrus from the bergamot, creating a sophisticated and comforting British dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 4 tea bags)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a smooth and airy base for the cookies.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to enhance the aroma and flavor of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and salt to evenly distribute flavors and saltiness.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overworking to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions; shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easy slicing.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Slice and Arrange: Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating perfect crispness and doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest into the dough before chilling for a bright, fresh flavor complementing the Earl Grey.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- Cookies freeze well in an airtight container for extended storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
