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
Scale
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.
