If you adore the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea and have a soft spot for classic buttery cookies, then these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies will quickly become your newest baking obsession. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, aromatic hints of bergamot, and elegant simplicity, they’re a delightful treat that manages to feel both cozy and sophisticated. One bite and you’ll see why these biscuits are a perennial favorite for everything from afternoon tea to sophisticated gift boxes—or a quiet moment just for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies lies in their straightforward ingredients, each one playing an important role. It’s a beautiful example of how a few high-quality choices can offer incredible flavor, aroma, and texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters for this recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and that classic tender shortbread crumb; use butter at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Powdered sugar: Lends a delicate sweetness and helps create the cookies’ light, melt-away structure.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving these cookies their sturdy yet tender bite.
- Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves: These infuse the entire cookie with aromatic bergamot and black tea flavors—be sure they’re ground fine for the best texture!
- Salt: Just a touch, to balance and amplify all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a floral warmth that complements the Earl Grey beautifully.
How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by adding the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. Take your time with this step, creaming them together until light, airy, and whipped—this base is what makes your cookies so tender. Don’t rush; the more you cream, the lighter the cookies!
Step 2: Add Vanilla
Pour in that fragrant teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until it disappears into the butter and sugar. It’s a tiny detail, but the vanilla brings a roundness that balances the tea notes in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and salt. Not only does this distribute the tea and salt evenly, but you’ll catch that first amazing whiff of bergamot as you stir—the aroma is all part of the experience!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed butter and sugar, mixing until everything just comes together into a soft, cohesive dough. Don’t overwork it—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain for the most delicate texture.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, roll each portion into an even log about 1.5 inches in diameter, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour, until firm. Chilling helps the Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies hold their shape and develop a beautifully sliceable texture.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Once your dough is chilled through, preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds with a sharp knife, spacing them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—look for edges just starting to turn golden but centers that are pale and soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. As they cool, the cookies finish setting up and their signature crumbly shortbread texture emerges. If you like, now’s the time to drizzle with a simple lemon glaze or dip in white chocolate for extra flair!
How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, garnish your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies with a light drizzle of lemon glaze or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh edible flowers, a sprinkle of sparkling sugar, or even a fine zesting of lemon peel can turn your cookies into picture-perfect bites for your next gathering.
Side Dishes
Of course, the ultimate pairing is a fresh pot of Earl Grey tea—classic and comforting! These cookies are equally delicious alongside a creamy vanilla latte, a glass of cold milk, or sandwiched with a touch of berry jam. For a more indulgent tea party, try serving them with delicate tea sandwiches or a little platter of fresh berries.
Creative Ways to Present
You can’t go wrong arranging Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies on a pretty tiered tray for afternoon tea. For gifting, stack them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or layer between wax paper in a decorated tin. If you’re feeling whimsical, use biscuit cutters to shape them into hearts or flowers before baking—everyone loves a cookie that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Their flavor actually improves after a day or two, as the butter and tea have more time to mingle—so don’t be afraid to bake ahead for your next event or cozy afternoon!
Freezing
These cookies are perfectly freezer-friendly. Simply freeze the shaped, unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic, or freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then let the cookies come to room temperature, or slice and bake straight from the freezer (just add a minute or two to the baking time).
Reheating
If you love your cookies just slightly warm or want to refresh their crispness, pop them on a baking tray in a 300°F oven for three to five minutes. Let cool for a minute or two—they’ll be freshly aromatic and wonderfully crisp, ready to pair with your favorite tea.
FAQs
Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! If you have good-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea, use about two tablespoons finely ground. Just be sure to grind it to a fine texture using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle so it blends smoothly into the dough.
My dough is too crumbly. What can I do?
If your dough looks dry or refuses to come together, add a teaspoon of milk or water and mix gently until it just holds. Temperature matters here, so ensure your butter is softened, not cold, when you start.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! For vegan Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality plant-based butter and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The results are still beautifully tender and flavorful.
Can I flavor these with other teas?
Definitely! While Earl Grey gives a unique citrusy-bergamot note, you can swap in other tea blends like lavender Earl Grey or even chai for new twists. Just stay with finely ground loose tea for the best texture.
How do I prevent the cookies from overspreading?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled before slicing and baking—an hour (or longer) in the fridge is key. Avoid overworking the dough, and always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for even baking and easy release.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a plate of homemade Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies—perhaps it’s their subtle flavor, their irresistible texture, or just the joy of a treat baked with care. I hope you’ll give these cookies a try and let them add a bit of elegance and comfort to your days. Happy baking!
