Delicate Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Introduction

A quick, elegant tea-time treat, these Delicate Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy bakers who want big flavor with minimal fuss. Using simple pantry staples and fragrant Earl Grey tea leaves, this shortbread is ready in about an hour (including chilling). Try this easy tea cookies twist when you need a seasonal, cozy bite and if you like experimenting, compare it with our Buckeye Brownie Cookies for a chocolatey contrast.

Why This Recipe Works

• Fast and straightforward: minimal ingredients and easy steps for quick baking.
• Aromatic lift: Earl Grey’s bergamot lends a citrusy, floral note to classic shortbread.
• Reliable texture: cornstarch plus butter creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies ideal for any shortbread recipe.

Ingredients

Simple, precise ingredients make these cookies doable weeknight-to-weekend. You’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves
• 1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

A short, focused method keeps the process efficient cream, combine, chill, and bake.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and Earl Grey tea leaves. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and combine until a dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into logs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Slice the logs into rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Grind the tea leaves lightly in a spice grinder or crush between two sheets of parchment for even distribution without large bits.
• Chill the logs well cold dough slices hold shape and yield a cleaner edge.
• Use a sharp knife and warm slightly between cuts if slices crumble.

Ingredient Swaps

• Dairy-free: use a firm stick-style plant-based butter to keep the texture.
• Gluten-free: swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Vanilla: vanilla paste or seeds work if you prefer a slightly different vanilla presentation.

Healthy Option

• Replace up to 1/3 of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added protein and a nuttier flavor.
• Reduce powdered sugar slightly (to 1/3 cup) for fewer calories; note texture will be a touch less tender.

Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve these tea cookies with a cup of Earl Grey, milky tea, or a citrusy herbal infusion. For variety, arrange a platter with fruit preserves, lemon curd, or a selection of other cookies like our Chocolate Sprinkles Cookies for guests.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

• Earl Grey tea leaves provide antioxidants (from the tea) that add a tiny nutritional boost.
• Portion-controlled: shortbread slices are easy to portion for mindful indulgence.
• Simple ingredients let you tailor swaps for dietary needs while keeping flavor intact.

Hosting & Presentation Tips

• Arrange rounds on parchment with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole tea leaves for a rustic look.
• Create small stacks tied with twine for gift boxes or tea party favors.

Personal Closing Thought + Call-to-Action

These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are a small, elegant pleasure you can make any evening. Try the simple variations, tell us which swap you liked best, and share your photos—quick baking doesn’t have to be complicated.

Conclusion

For a similar inspiration and another take on Earl Grey cookies, see the Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe | Sugar & Soul: Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe | Sugar & Soul.

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Delicate Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

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A quick, elegant tea-time treat, these shortbread cookies are infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea leaves for a delightful flavor.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and Earl Grey tea leaves.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture until a dough forms.
6. Shape the dough into logs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
7. Slice the logs into rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

For even distribution of tea, grind the leaves lightly. Chill the dough well for cleaner edges when slicing.

• Author: Chef Hanna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg