Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are a delicate and buttery treat infused with the fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea. These crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies make a perfect companion to your afternoon tea or a delightful snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 10 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1 tsp Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract for a creamy shortbread)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp finely ground Earl Grey leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, add the room temperature butter, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, sea salt, finely ground Earl Grey leaves, and Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract if substituting).
- Step 2: Pulse the mixture until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a log about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter.
- Step 4: Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6: Using a sharp knife, slice the dough logs into ¼ to ½ inch thick rounds.
- Step 7: Arrange the slices on a lined baking pan, leaving at least an inch between each cookie.
- Step 8: Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until they are just barely golden on the bottom.
- Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a more pronounced tea flavor, try infusing the butter with Earl Grey leaves before mixing the dough.
- You can substitute the Earl Grey extract with vanilla extract for a classic creamy shortbread.
- Use a food processor for quick mixing, but if unavailable, mix by hand using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the dough forms.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of icing sugar on top of cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and, if desired, warm slightly in a low oven for a freshly baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea for these shortbread cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with other finely ground teas such as green tea, chai, or lavender tea. Just be mindful of the quantity, as some teas have stronger flavors that might overwhelm the cookie.
What if I don’t have Earl Grey extract?
You can substitute with 1 tsp of vanilla extract for a milder flavor, or omit the extract entirely and rely on the Earl Grey leaves for taste. Using both extract and leaves enhances the tea flavor best.
PrintEarl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Delightfully buttery and fragrant, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies blend the robust flavors of Earl Grey tea with classic shortbread for a sophisticated treat. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender in the center, they offer a subtle hint of bergamot that elevates the traditional cookie experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 10 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1 tsp Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract as a substitute)
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor cup, add the room temperature butter, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, finely crushed Earl Grey leaves, and Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract if preferred). This creates the base dough for the cookies.
- Process Dough: Pulse the processor until the dough just forms a cohesive ball, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking.
- Shape Logs: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each portion into a log roughly 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter. This shape will help the cookies maintain uniformity when sliced.
- Chill Dough: Wrap each dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the dough to firm up, making slicing easier and preventing spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) so it will be ready for baking once the dough is sliced.
- Slice Cookies: Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled logs into slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick to achieve the ideal cookie thickness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookie slices on a lined baking pan, ensuring there is at least 1 inch of space between each to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes until they are just beginning to show a golden hue on the bottoms, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving to preserve their delicate texture.
Notes
- For a creamier twist, substitute Earl Grey extract with vanilla extract.
- If Earl Grey leaves are not finely crushed, pulse them separately before adding to avoid uneven texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to develop the shortbread’s characteristic crumbly texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, enhancing their aromatic qualities.
Keywords: Earl Grey, Shortbread Cookies, Tea Cookies, Butter Cookies, Classic Dessert, British Cookies, Tea Time Snack
