Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Crisp and buttery, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies offer a delightful twist with a hint of aromatic tea. Perfect for parties, tea time, or simply indulging yourself, they are simple to make with just five ingredients. The easy lemon glaze adds a refreshing finish, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With only five core ingredients, these cookies are quick to prepare and easy to whip up.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The infusion of Earl Grey tea provides a sophisticated taste that sets them apart from traditional shortbread cookies.
• Versatile Serving Options: These cookies are great for various occasions, from casual snacks to elegant dessert platters.
• Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 15 minutes of active prep time, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Perfectly Sweet: The addition of a lemon glaze balances the rich butter flavor with a zesty kick.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• 2-inch round cookie cutter
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: A stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, while a bowl works well for manual mixing.
• Parchment paper: This non-stick surface ensures cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan.
• Rolling pin: It helps achieve an even dough thickness, crucial for uniform baking.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Infuse the Butter

Blend the unsalted butter and Earl Grey tea leaves together and allow to sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the tea directly with the powdered sugar later. Just note that the flavor may not be as strong.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Once the butter has infused, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 3: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the infused butter mixture and ½ cup powdered sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the 2 cups all-purpose flour and ½ tsp salt. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms. Initially, it may appear dry and crumbly but will come together as you mix.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out until it’s about ¼-inch thick for optimal cookie texture.

Step 6: Cut Cookies

Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out cookies from the rolled-out dough. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges turn golden brown in color.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

Once cooled, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Dip or drizzle this glaze over the cookies as desired. Allow them to sit on wax paper to set before serving.

Enjoy your delightful batch of Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies!

How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether for a formal gathering or a cozy tea time at home, these cookies fit perfectly into any occasion.

With Tea

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful experience that enhances the cookie’s flavor.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other sweets like macarons or fruit tarts for an elegant touch at parties.

During Brunch

• Serve them during brunch gatherings as a light and sweet option that complements savory dishes beautifully.

Gift Giving

• Package your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies in a decorative tin or box for a charming homemade gift that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that combines creamy and crunchy textures.

How to Perfect Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Achieving the perfect Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Infuse the Butter: Allow the butter to sit with the Earl Grey tea leaves for several hours. This step enhances the flavor significantly.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, which helps create a light and tender texture.

• Check Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water until it comes together without being sticky.

• Chill Before Baking: Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling out can help prevent spreading during baking.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; remove them when they just start to turn golden around the edges for optimal texture.

Best Side Dishes for Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

These cookies pair well with various side dishes, making them even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the rich buttery flavor of the cookies. Use seasonal fruits for best results.

2. Cheese Plate: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a cheese plate to create a wonderful contrast with the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing dish that complements the delicate flavors of Earl Grey.

4. Chocolates: Dark chocolates can enhance the cookie’s taste profile, offering a luxurious treat when paired together.

5. Coffee: A rich cup of coffee provides a beautiful balance to the sweetness of Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, making it an excellent pairing choice.

6. Nut Mix: A lightly salted nut mix offers crunch and savory notes that beautifully contrast with sweet cookies, creating an enjoyable snacking experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common pitfalls when making Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the Butter Infusion: Not allowing the butter and tea leaves to sit together can result in a weaker flavor. For best results, infuse them for at least 2 hours.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can lead to burnt edges. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature of 350°F.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can affect the texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for tender shortbread.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Dipping or drizzling the glaze on warm cookies can cause it to melt away. Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• To freeze, layer cookies with parchment paper and seal tightly.

Reheating Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies.

Can I use different types of tea?

Yes! You can experiment with other flavored teas like chai or lavender for unique variations.

How do I store leftover Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What is the best way to glaze the cookies?

You can dip or drizzle the glaze onto cooled cookies using a fork or spoon for even coverage.

Can I customize the flavors of these shortbread cookies?

Absolutely! Adding citrus zest or spices can enhance the flavor profile of your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are delightfully crisp and rich in flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite teas or glazes, and enjoy these tasty treats during tea time or as an afternoon snack!