If you adore the delicate aroma of tea and the buttery crumbly goodness of classic shortbread, then you are in for a treat with this Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea leaves with rich, tender shortbread to create a truly irresistible bite. Each cookie is a perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle bergamot flavor that feels both nostalgic and elegantly sophisticated. Whether you’re enjoying them with your afternoon cup of tea or sharing as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy butter that forms the foundation to the finely ground Earl Grey leaves that add that signature tea flavor, every component is here to create that perfect shortbread experience.
- Unsalted butter: Use softened butter to achieve that velvety, tender texture essential for shortbread.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the tender crumb without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and brings warmth to the recipe.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and that classic shortbread chew.
- Salt: Brightens and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves: The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with bergamot’s lovely citrus notes.
How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that ensure your cookies stay tender and buttery rather than dense.
Step 2: Blend in Vanilla
Add vanilla extract to your creamy butter-sugar mix, which balances the Earl Grey’s citrusy notes with a subtle warm sweetness. Mix gently until incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and the finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. The key here is finely grinding the tea leaves so they blend seamlessly into the dough, releasing their fragrance without an overpowering texture.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. It should be a bit crumbly but hold together when pressed. Divide the dough into two equal parts to make it easier to handle in the next step.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Roll each dough portion into a 2-inch wide log, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Chill these logs in the refrigerator for at least one hour until firm — this step makes slicing the cookies a breeze and helps maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Once the dough logs are chilled and firm, slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on the baking trays with about an inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just begin to turn a lovely golden shade, signalling perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of elegance, consider a light drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract — it’s the perfect finishing touch!
How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cookies shine on their own, a sprinkle of finely chopped dried citrus zest or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely visual and flavor lift. The glaze option adds sweetness and a glossy finish that makes the cookies look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these shortbread cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea to echo their subtle bergamot aroma beautifully. Alternatively, enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla or lavender ice cream for a charming afternoon treat or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies on a pretty platter layered with delicate doilies for afternoon tea. Packaging them in a quaint tin or box with a ribbon makes for an elegant homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and crisp for up to one week. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their delicate texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough logs wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container and thawed at room temperature.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked warmth, reheating the cookies for 5-7 minutes at 300°F helps bring back their fresh-from-the-oven softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Loose leaf Earl Grey is even better because you can control how finely you grind it, ensuring a uniform distribution of flavor and avoiding any gritty bits in your cookies.
Is there a substitute for powdered sugar?
You can use superfine granulated sugar, but the texture of your shortbread might be a bit coarser. Powdered sugar dissolves more readily, giving a smoother crumb.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, try replacing the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just note that texture can vary slightly depending on the mix, so keep an eye on baking time.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps maintain their classic shortbread shape and texture.
Can I add more flavor variations?
Definitely! A pinch of lavender or lemon zest works beautifully with Earl Grey. Just add sparingly so as not to overpower the tea’s signature citrusy notes.
Final Thoughts
This Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe is one of those special little indulgences that feels fancy yet is incredibly easy to make. The gentle infusion of bergamot tea in every buttery, crumbly bite is a wonderfully unique twist on a classic favorite. I really encourage you to give it a try — whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a new treat to brighten your day, these cookies will quickly become a beloved go-to in your kitchen.
Print
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the delicate, buttery flavor of Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, infused with fragrant bergamot tea leaves for a subtle citrus aroma. These crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for teatime or a sophisticated snack, combining classic shortbread richness with the unique twist of Earl Grey tea.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 3 tea bags)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This helps incorporate air into the dough for a tender texture.
- Mix in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and blend until combined, enhancing the flavor base of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves to evenly distribute the tea flavor.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated but not overworked.
- Shape and Chill: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each into a 2-inch diameter log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm to make slicing easier and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cookie removal.
- Slice and Bake: Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator, slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and arrange them at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for added sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Finely grind the Earl Grey tea leaves to avoid gritty texture in the cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining shape and achieving a crisp texture.
- The optional glaze adds sweetness but is not necessary for traditional shortbread flavor.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
