Earl Grey Cookies Recipe: Irresistible Treat with 5 Steps

If you’re a fan of tea and baked treats, Earl Grey cookies are a match made in heaven. These cookies deliver the delicately sweet and floral flavor of Earl Grey tea with the buttery richness of a classic shortbread cookie. Whether you’re a tea novice or an aficionado, this is your chance to bring an elegant twist to your cookie jar.

Not only are these cookies a delightful pairing for your afternoon tea, but they’re also an eye-catching addition to dessert tables or gift hampers. Today, we’ll walk you through the recipe, tips for baking with tea, and unique ways to pair your cookies with beverages.

Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

Recipe by Calven ArlithCourse: Dessert, SnacksCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

cookies

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories per cookie

148

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

Here’s a list of what you need to whip up these irresistible cookies. Don’t worry, the ingredients are simple!

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 2 tsp Earl Grey tea leaves

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
• Fold in the tea leaves.
• Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
• Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

• Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. For a stronger Earl Grey flavor, add more tea leaves.

Why Bake Earl Grey Cookies?

Earl Grey cookies effortlessly combine sophistication and comfort, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies offer a unique twist that elevates your baking game. Want to know why they merit a place in your recipe collection:

1. The Charm of Tea-Infused Desserts

• Subtle, aromatic flavors: Unlike traditional cookies, Earl Grey cookies deliver a refined taste. The black tea, infused with the citrusy, floral essence of bergamot, creates a delicate balance of flavors that is both unique and memorable.
• Elevated experience: The tea infusion adds a gourmet touch to your baking, making these cookies stand out at gatherings or as a daily indulgence.
• Versatility: Enjoy them plain, pair them with a glaze, or combine them with other tea-based recipes for a themed treat.

2. Perfect for Afternoon Tea or a Cozy Snack

• Tea time essential: These cookies are an elegant addition to your afternoon tea spread. Their light and buttery texture complements a wide range of teas, especially Earl Grey or chamomile.
• Comfort in every bite: Need a snack to wind down? Pair Earl Grey cookies with a warm mug of your favorite beverage for a cozy moment of relaxation.
• Portable treat: Pack them for a quick pick-me-up at work or school—perfect for anyone who loves a refined snack on the go.

3. Impressive and Gift-Ready

Crowd-pleaser: Their sophisticated flavor profile appeals to both tea lovers and casual snackers, making them a hit at celebrations or as a hostess gift.

Eye-catching presentation: These cookies’ subtle specks of tea leaves and golden hue make them visually appealing, adding elegance to any dessert platter.

Thoughtful homemade gift: Whether for holidays, birthdays, or housewarming parties, Earl Grey cookies are a unique and personal gift idea. Wrap them in decorative boxes or jars for a charming presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tips for Choosing High-Quality Earl Grey Tea

• Use loose-leaf Earl Grey tea for the most robust flavor.
• Look for a balanced tea blend with fresh notes of bergamot.
• Organic varieties or whole-leaf blends often provide the best aroma and taste.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

• Gluten-free? Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Vegan-friendly? Swap butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter sticks.

Tools Required for Perfect Cookies

Want bakery-quality results? Gather these tools before you start baking!

Essential Baking Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Cookie cutter for aesthetically uniform cookies.
• Food processor if grinding your own loose-leaf tea for extra freshness.

Step-by-Step Earl Grey Cookie Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Infuse the butter: Grind the Earl Grey tea into fine pieces (if using whole leaves). Mix the tea with softened butter and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, so the flavor infuses.
• Sift dry ingredients: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

2. Make the Dough

• Beat the infused butter until creamy.
• Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed.
• Add vanilla extract and knead until the dough forms a smooth ball.

3. Shape the Cookies

• Stretch the dough to around ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
• Use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies. If you prefer rustic-style cookies, roll the dough into a log, chill, and slice into discs.

4. Chill the Dough

Allow the shaped dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps avoid the cookies spreading too much as they bake.

5. Bake and Cool

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 13 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Baking with Earl Grey Tea

Baking with Earl Grey tea can transform your cookies into an aromatic, gourmet treat. By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly flavored, tender cookies every time.

1. Enhance the Tea Flavor

Getting the most out of the tea’s unique flavors is key to making standout Earl Grey cookies. Here’s how:

• Grind loose-leaf tea: Use a spice grinder or food processor to finely grind loose-leaf Earl Grey tea. This ensures the tea is evenly distributed throughout the dough, infusing every bite with its aromatic essence.
• Infuse for depth: For a stronger, more pronounced flavor, steep the tea in warm milk or melt butter with tea leaves before using them in your recipe. Strain out the leaves for a smooth texture while keeping the rich flavor.
• Boost with citrus: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to complement the bergamot notes in the tea, creating a more vibrant and well-rounded flavor profile.

2. Prevent Cookies from Drying Out

Nothing ruins a good cookie faster than dryness. Avoid this common pitfall with these tips:

• Perfect your timing: Keep a close eye on your baking time. Earl Grey cookies, especially shortbread-style ones, can overbake quickly. Pull them out when the edges are just starting to turn golden.
• Aim for softness: A slightly underbaked center will set as the cookies cool, giving you a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Monitor oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven isn’t running too hot, which can lead to uneven baking or dry cookies.

3. Storing for Freshness

Proper storage can help preserve the delicate flavors and texture of Earl Grey cookies:

Shelf life: When stored correctly, Earl Grey cookies will stay flavorful and crisp for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag, ensuring they’re completely cooled first.

Use airtight containers: Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain their crispness.

Add a freshness trick: Place a small piece of bread or a sugar cube in the container to absorb excess air and keep the cookies fresh longer.

Variations of Earl Grey Cookies

Want to put your unique spin on the classic Earl Grey cookie recipe? Here are some creative and tasty ways to customize your cookies and make them truly your own:

1. Infuse with Vanilla or Citrus Zest

Take the flavor profile up a notch by adding:

• Vanilla Bean: A pinch of scraped vanilla bean or a splash of vanilla extract will deepen the richness of your cookies.
• Citrus Zest: Grate some fresh orange or lemon zest into the dough for a burst of bright, citrusy aroma that complements the tea’s floral notes.

2. Transform into Earl Grey Shortbread

For a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread variation:

• Use Granulated Sugar: Swap out the powdered sugar for granulated sugar. This small change creates a more traditional shortbread texture with a slightly crunchy bite.
• Simplify Ingredients: Keep it minimal with just butter, sugar, flour, and tea for a classic shortbread experience.

3. Add a Luxurious Glaze

Elevate your cookies visually and flavor-wise by glazing them:

• Tea-Infused Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of strongly brewed Earl Grey tea.
• Optional Enhancements: Add a tiny splash of lemon juice or a drop of food coloring to make the glaze pop!
• Decorative Drizzle: Use a spoon or piping bag to create elegant swirls or zigzags over the cookies once they’ve cooled.

Bonus Ideas for Creative Variations

• Dip in Chocolate: Coat half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent twist. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or edible flowers for extra flair.
• Add Spices: A dash of cinnamon or cardamom can add a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with Earl Grey’s bergamot essence.
• Sandwich Cookies: Spread a layer of Earl Grey-infused buttercream or lemon curd between two cookies for a delightful treat.

These variations not only enhance the flavor but also make your cookies versatile enough to impress at tea parties, holiday gatherings, or as thoughtful homemade gifts!

Pairing Earl Grey Cookies with Beverages

Pairing your Earl Grey cookies with the right beverages can elevate their flavor and create a truly delightful experience. Here are some ideas to make every bite and sip unforgettable:

Best Teas to Serve

Enhance the tea-forward notes of the cookies with these options:

• Earl Grey Tea: Stick to the classic for a seamless and harmonious flavor pairing that doubles down on the bergamot aroma.
• Herbal Teas: Chamomile, lavender, or peppermint teas offer a soothing contrast that complements the cookies’ rich, buttery texture without overpowering the palate.

Coffee Pairings

For coffee enthusiasts, Earl Grey cookies pair beautifully with a variety of coffee styles:

• Creamy Cappuccino or Latte: The smooth, frothy milk highlights the buttery richness of the cookies while adding a hint of sweetness.
• Bold Black Coffee: A robust espresso or French press coffee cuts through the cookies’ sweetness, creating a balanced flavor experience.

Sophisticated Wines & Cocktails

Take your cookie indulgence to the next level with these refined pairings:

• Chilled Moscato: The light, fruity sweetness of Moscato complements the subtle bergamot notes, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon treat.
• Hot Mulled Wine: The warm spices and deep flavors of mulled wine create a cozy and indulgent winter pairing.
• Earl Grey-Infused Gin Cocktail: Serve your cookies with an Earl Grey-infused gin cocktail, complete with a twist of lemon or a sprig of thyme. This pairing is elegant, aromatic, and ideal for parties or special occasions.

Whether you prefer tea, coffee, or something more spirited, these pairing suggestions will make your Earl Grey cookies even more enjoyable, transforming simple snacks into gourmet experiences.

Elevate Your Baking with Earl Grey Cookies

Earl Grey cookies are a testament to how baking can effortlessly merge simplicity and sophistication. These buttery, tea-infused treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant.

Why You’ll Love Earl Grey Cookies

• Sophisticated Flavor: The delicate floral and citrus notes from the Earl Grey tea create a luxurious taste that feels gourmet.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly yet impressive.
• Versatile Treat: Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a dessert for guests, or paired with your favorite beverage, these cookies shine in any setting.

Tips to Perfect Your Earl Grey Cookies

• Use High-Quality Tea: Opt for loose-leaf Earl Grey or premium tea bags for a robust and aromatic flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge before baking ensures a tender texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Enhance the cookies by folding in white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

Make it a Memorable Experience

• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package your cookies in decorative tins or gift boxes lined with parchment paper. They make thoughtful, homemade gifts for loved ones.
• Pairings to Enhance Flavor: Enjoy these cookies with Earl Grey tea for a classic combination, or try pairing them with a creamy latte, herbal tea, or even a sweet dessert wine.

Give this recipe a try and transform your kitchen into a cozy bakehouse filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Earl Grey cookies. Share your results in the comments, snap a photo to inspire others, or save this recipe for those moments when you crave something truly special. Happy baking, and may your cookies always come out perfectly golden and delicious!

Elevate your baking with these Earl Grey cookies, where the subtle flavors of tea meet a buttery, crumbly texture. Perfect for tea time or a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. For the full recipe, visit Earl Grey Cookie Recipe.