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
Scale
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
