Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies combine the delicate floral notes of Earl Grey tea with buttery, crumbly shortbread. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a refined accompaniment to your tea time.

Ingredients

• 10 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• 1 tsp Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract)
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tsp finely ground Earl Grey leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine the room temperature butter, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, sea salt, finely ground Earl Grey leaves, and Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract if using).
2. Step 2: Pulse the mixture until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each into a log about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter.
4. Step 4: Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6: Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled logs into ¼ to ½ inch thick cookies.
7. Step 7: Arrange the slices on a lined baking pan, spacing them at least an inch apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cookies are just barely golden on the bottoms.
9. Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier flavor, substitute Earl Grey extract with vanilla extract.
• Grind the Earl Grey leaves finely to prevent any gritty texture in the shortbread.
• Chilling the dough logs well helps to keep the cookies tender and prevents spreading during baking.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a low oven if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use loose leaf tea instead of Earl Grey extract?

Yes, finely ground loose leaf Earl Grey tea is added to the dough for flavor. The extract is optional but enhances the tea aroma.

How do I prevent the shortbread from becoming too dry?

Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and avoid overbaking. Chilling the dough also helps maintain a tender texture.

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 130 reviews

Delight in the delicate flavors of Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, featuring fragrant Earl Grey tea leaves and extract blended into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. These classic cookies are perfect for pairing with tea or as a refined sweet treat any time of day.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Shortbread Dough

• 10 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• 1 tsp Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract as a substitute)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tsp finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the room temperature butter, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract) into a food processor cup.
2. Form Dough: Pulse the mixture until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape Logs: Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each into a log measuring about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter.
4. Chill Dough: Wrap each dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and develop flavor.
5. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach temperature while the dough chills.
6. Slice Cookies: Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled dough logs into slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick to form the cookies.
7. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the cookie slices on a lined baking pan, spacing them at least one inch apart to allow even baking.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn a light golden color.
9. Cool Cookies: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• For a creamier shortbread flavor, substitute Earl Grey extract with vanilla extract.
• Finely grinding the Earl Grey leaves releases more flavor and prevents a chewy texture from tea leaves.
• Ensure dough is well chilled before slicing to maintain the cookie shape during baking.
• Light golden color on the bottom indicates perfect baking without overcooking.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Earl Grey cookies, shortbread, tea infused cookies, butter cookies, baked treats, British desserts