Earl Grey Cookies: Unleash the Magic of Flavorful Baking

Last updated on April 13, 2025

Earl Grey cookies transform the beloved bergamot-infused tea into a delightful baked treat. The marriage of buttery cookie dough with the sophisticated profile of Earl Grey creates something truly memorable – a perfect balance of sweet comfort with subtle citrus and floral notes. Whether served with afternoon tea or enjoyed as a special snack, these cookies offer a unique flavor experience that stands out from standard cookie fare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: Earl Grey’s bergamot oil adds subtle floral and citrus notes that elevate these cookies above ordinary sweet treats.
• Impressive Yet Simple: These cookies taste sophisticated but require minimal extra effort beyond standard cookie preparation.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Equally appropriate for formal tea gatherings or casual snacking.
• Balanced Sweetness: The tea’s slight bitterness creates a more complex flavor than traditional cookies.
• Customizable Base Recipe: Easily adaptable with complementary ingredients like white chocolate, lemon, or lavender.

Ingredients

For the Earl Grey Infusion:

• 2 tablespoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1¾ cups (218g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional)

Optional Additions:

• ⅓ cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon culinary-grade dried lavender
• Coarse sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preparing the Earl Grey Infusion

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat until completely liquefied.
2. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea, and stir to submerge all leaves.
3. Cover and steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing gently on the tea leaves.
5. Allow the infused butter to cool to room temperature but remain liquid (15-20 minutes).

Creating the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well.
2. In a large bowl, beat the infused butter with both sugars until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
3. Beat in the egg until incorporated, then add vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
4. Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in any optional mix-ins.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2.

Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
3. Optional: Roll in coarse sugar for a crunchy exterior.
4. Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway, until edges are set and lightly golden.
6. Let rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips and Variations

Mastering the Perfect Earl Grey Cookie

• Tea Selection: The quality and type of Earl Grey significantly impacts flavor. Earl Grey Creme (with vanilla) creates a softer, more dessert-like flavor.
• Infusion Control: Keep butter below 180°F during infusion to avoid bitterness.
• Texture Adjustment: For softer cookies, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes. For crisper cookies, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.
• Flavor Enhancement: Add a tiny pinch of ground cardamom to amplify the bergamot notes.

Creative Variations

• White Chocolate Earl Grey: Fold in white chocolate chunks before chilling.
• London Fog Cookies: Add vanilla bean paste to the dough and top with a simple glaze.
• Lavender Earl Grey: Add dried lavender to the butter when infusing the tea.
• Lemon Earl Grey Thumbprints: Create an indent in each cookie and fill with lemon curd after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Earl Grey cookies pair beautifully with:

• Traditional Earl Grey cookies tea
• Perfect Pink Drink Recipe
• Cold milk
• Light roast coffee

Consider serving on vintage tea plates or with a light lemon glaze drizzled over the top for elegant presentation. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins with cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices.

Conclusion

Earl Grey cookies represent the beautiful intersection of traditional baking and innovative flavor. The process of steeping tea leaves in melted butter captures the essence of Earl Grey cookies in a way that’s both authentic and approachable. Whether you’re baking these cookies for yourself or for guests, you’re creating an experience that celebrates the magic of infusing familiar ingredients with unexpected flavors.

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