Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. Bursting with the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea and the buttery richness of traditional shortbread, these cookies are perfect for everything from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings. I remember making these cookies for a family gathering, and they quickly became a staple in our dessert repertoire. Their unique flavor combined with a delicate texture makes them irresistible, and they are so easy to whip up.
Why Make This Recipe
These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile. The delicate notes of bergamot infuse a classic shortbread with sophistication, making them suitable for both casual snack time and fancy gatherings. Whether you’re sipping tea with friends or celebrating a special occasion, these cookies fit right in. The simplicity of the recipe means you can easily make them on a busy weekday or as part of your festive baking.
"These cookies were a hit at my tea party! So easy to make and absolutely delicious," says a happy home baker.
How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Creating Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies is a straightforward process that’s sure to impress. Begin by blending all your ingredients in a food processor until they form a dough. Once your dough is ready, divide it into two logs and chill them in the refrigerator. This not only helps the flavors meld but also allows for easier slicing later. After chilling, slice the logs into uniform pieces, bake until golden, and let them cool on a rack. The entire process is quick, making these cookies a perfect choice for any busy baker.
Ingredients
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
10 1/2 tbsp butter (unsalted and room temperature)
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 tsp Earl Grey Extract (or vanilla extract for a creamy shortbread)
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp sea salt (fine)
2 tsp Earl Grey leaves (fine)
For a twist, you could substitute the Earl Grey Extract with vanilla for a milder, creamy flavor. Each ingredient plays a critical role in achieving that perfect crumbly texture and rich taste.
Directions
In a food processor cup, add all ingredients: room temperature butter, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, Earl Grey leaves, and Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract if using that substitution). Pulse until dough is formed. Divide the dough into 2 parts, rolling each part into a log of about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a sharp knife to cut ¼ to ½ inch thick slices. Place cookies in a lined baking pan, at least an inch apart. Bake for about 10 minutes. Cookies are ready when barely golden at the bottom. Place cookies to cool on a cooling rack.
How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated even further with a few simple serving suggestions. Pair them with a cup of your favorite tea or a warm glass of milk for a comfort classic. For a more festive touch, serve them alongside whipped cream and fresh berries for a lovely dessert platter. You can also pack them in gift boxes for holidays or thoughtful treats for loved ones.
How to Store
To keep your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the logs of dough before slicing. This allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them. Just let the frozen dough logs thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.
Tips to Make
For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature to allow it to cream well with the sugar. This helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be careful not to over-process the dough, as overworking it can result in tough cookies. If you prefer a more intense Earl Grey flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of tea leaves.
Variations
There are several fun ways to change up this easy recipe. Consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist that complements the bergamot beautifully. If you wish to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also dip the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
FAQs
What is Earl Grey tea?
Earl Grey tea is a black tea flavored with oil from the bergamot orange, giving it a unique citrus aroma and flavor.
Can I use regular sugar instead of icing sugar?
Icing sugar is used for its smooth texture. Regular sugar can be used but may result in a slightly grainy texture.
How do you know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are ready when they are lightly golden underneath. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I add other flavors to the shortbread?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of lavender for a floral twist or cocoa powder for chocolate shortbread.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for more delightful recipes to try, you might be interested in our protein muffins or our bento cake recipe. These treats are perfect for any occasion and will surely become family favorites.
Don’t forget to visit our social pages for more baking tips and inspiration:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a food processor, combine all ingredients: room temperature butter, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, sea salt, Earl Grey leaves, and Earl Grey extract (or vanilla extract). Pulse until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two parts and roll each part into a log about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled logs into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices.
- Place the cookies on a lined baking pan, leaving at least an inch of space between them.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until the bottom is barely golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a cooling rack.