Earl Grey Cookies Recipe
Bake irresistible Earl Grey cookies infused with bergamot and tea. A simple recipe for a flavorful snack. Try it today and elevate your tea time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to 1 cup for a sweeter taste
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea finely ground
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon citrus zest (orange or lemon)
Instructions
Step 1: Get Organized
- Before you start, it’s best to assemble all your ingredients and tools. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. Having everything in place ensures a smooth baking session.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Measure the Flour: Scoop the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add Baking Powder and Salt: Stir these into the flour to ensure even distribution.
- Mix in Earl Grey Tea: Sprinkle the finely ground tea over the flour mixture. Gently whisk or sift to blend. This step distributes the tea flakes throughout, so you won’t end up with clumps of flavor in one spot.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Soften the Butter: If your butter is not already softened, allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Cream Together: In a separate large bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed (or mix by hand with a sturdy spatula). Beat until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy. This process can take 2–3 minutes with a mixer.
- Check Texture: The creamed mixture should hold slight peaks when you lift the mixer. Properly creamed butter and sugar incorporate air, leading to cookies with a delicate crumb.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Optional Extras
- Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the bowl with the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low to medium speed until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies denser.
- Optional Flavor Boost: If you want to include vanilla extract, citrus zest, or other add-ins (like a pinch of lavender), stir them in now. This step is where you personalize your cookies to fit your taste preferences.
Step 5: Form the Dough
- Gradually Add Dry Mixture: Spoon the flour and tea mixture into the bowl of creamed ingredients in intervals. Mix on low speed or gently fold by hand.
- Monitor Consistency: The dough should come together in a soft, pliable form. If it’s too sticky to roll, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour. If it’s too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water. Strive for a dough that holds its shape without being overly stiff.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Portion the Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to get even portions. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Flatten them slightly with your fingers or a fork. Flattening ensures a more uniform bake time.
- Chill if Necessary: If you notice the dough becoming warm, consider placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before baking. Cooler dough spreads less.
Step 7: Bake
- Oven Time: Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The tops might look slightly soft, but they will firm up while cooling.
- Avoid Overbaking: If you keep the cookies in the oven too long, the delicate flavors may taste dry and the cookies become hard. Take them out once the edges turn a gentle golden color.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Initial Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 1 minute after removing them from the oven. This helps them hold their shape.
- Transfer: Carefully move them to a wire rack to finish cooling. The cooling process is essential for achieving the right texture.
- Taste Test: Sample one while it’s still slightly warm, taking note of the bergamot aroma. The full flavor profile matures as they cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 1.5g