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Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe

5 from 122 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Process Dough: Pulse the processor until the dough just forms a cohesive ball, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) so it will be ready for baking once the dough is sliced.
  6. Slice Cookies: Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled logs into slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick to achieve the ideal cookie thickness.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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