Earl Grey Cookies Recipe
Discover the perfect recipe for Earl Grey cookies—fragrant, buttery, and irresistible! Learn how to make these delicious treats step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour: The foundation of a perfectly balanced cookie.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps create a slight lift for a tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves: Finely ground for a smooth infusion of flavor.
- 3/4 cup 170g unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich, buttery goodness to every bite.
- 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right.
- 1/4 cup 50g powdered sugar: Adds a delicate texture to the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and ensures a soft chewy result.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle companion to the Earl Grey flavor.
For the Icing (Optional)
- 1 cup 120g powdered sugar: For a silky, sweet glaze.
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the cookies.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Earl Grey Tea: Opt for high-quality loose-leaf tea or cut open a few tea bags. Grind the leaves finely using a spice grinder for the best texture.
- Butter: Ensure it’s softened for easy creaming. You can substitute salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: For a twist try almond extract or a splash of orange blossom water.
- Lemon Zest: Optional but highly recommended for adding a burst of freshness to the icing.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Earl Grey Tea
- Grind the Earl Grey tea leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. This ensures the tea blends smoothly into the dough, giving every bite a uniform flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step is key to achieving a tender cookie.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tougher cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes, and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Test Batch: Bake one cookie first to check spreading and adjust chilling time if needed.
- Even Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or stack rulers on either side of your dough for consistent thickness.
- Flavor Boost: If you want a stronger Earl Grey flavor, steep the ground tea leaves in the butter before mixing.
Notes
This recipe recap provides all the necessary details for making Earl Grey cookies with ease. It also includes key nutrition facts to help you enjoy these delightful treats guilt-free.