Description
Earl Grey Tea Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the fragrant and aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are sure to add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Surprisingly simple to make, these Earl Grey Tea Cookies are a wonderful way to showcase your love for both tea and baking. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe, step by step, and discover how to make these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 3-4 tea bags)
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 large egg yolk
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1/4 cup cornstarch (optional, for a softer texture)
Instructions
Start by grinding your Earl Grey tea leaves into a fine powder. If you’re using loose-leaf tea, simply use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. If you’re using tea bags, cut them open and pour the loose tea leaves into a grinder. This step is essential to fully infuse the tea flavor into your cookies. Set the ground tea aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground Earl Grey tea, salt, and cornstarch (if you’re using it). The cornstarch will help to create a softer texture in the cookies, but it’s optional. Once mixed, set this dry mixture aside for the next step.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a hand mixer to blend everything together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture will help your cookies have a tender crumb.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. These ingredients help give the cookies their rich flavor and smooth texture.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix carefully, stirring just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could lead to dense cookies. The dough should come together easily.
Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a log. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial because it helps the dough hold its shape while baking, ensuring you get perfect cookies.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. After the dough has chilled, remove the logs from the refrigerator. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Space the slices about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The exact baking time will vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You want the cookies to be crisp on the outside but soft in the center.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will ensure that they don’t crumble while you’re moving them.
Notes
For the best flavor, use high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea. You can also chill the dough before baking for a more defined shape and deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Earl Grey Tea Cookies