Name: Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 3–4 tea bags); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you love the cozy, citrusy aroma of Earl Grey tea and the melt-in-your-mouth magic of classic shortbread, you’re in for something truly delightful with these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies. Each bite delivers a buttery crumb that’s gently laced with fragrant bergamot, creating an irresistibly elegant treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or as an anytime indulgence, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make but taste like something from your favorite bakery. Let’s dive in and discover why these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies deserve a permanent spot in your homemade treat lineup!

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies absolutely sing is a short list of staple ingredients, each chosen for the unique role it plays. Together, they create the perfect harmony of texture and flavor, turning a humble dough into a showstopping cookie.

Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, this is the key to the rich, tender crumb that defines great shortbread.
Powdered sugar: Provides a fine, delicate sweetness and helps achieve that delightfully soft cookie texture.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving the cookies structure while keeping them light.
Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves: The star flavor—freshly ground from tea bags for maximum aroma and subtle citrus notes.
Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors into focus and heightens the buttery richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth; a tiny splash goes a long way.

How to Make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating together your softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and almost cloudlike. This helps create that signature shortbread texture, allowing the cookies to literally melt on your tongue. For best results, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, and be patient—it usually takes a good 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 2: Mix in Vanilla Extract

Drizzle in the vanilla extract and beat again briefly. This little addition deepens the flavor, making every bite aromatic and well-rounded without overshadowing the tea notes.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and salt. It’s important to get the tea as fine as possible—use a spice grinder or simply crush the leaves between your fingers. This ensures the tea flavor disperses evenly throughout your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies for a consistent taste in every bite.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Blend slowly and gently, just until a dough forms. You want to avoid overmixing; as soon as there are no more streaks of flour, stop. Overworked dough can lead to tough cookies, and these beauties are meant to be tender!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a flat disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough rest is key—this prevents spreading and helps the cookies keep their perfect shape while baking.

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut

Roll out your chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This is your chance to have fun with cookie cutters—classic rounds, elegant rectangles, or even teacup shapes! Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to spread.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Take care not to overbake—they should look slightly pale in the center for that ideal shortbread tenderness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them set up while preserving their delicate crumb. Once completely cool, your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar always looks beautiful, but for a pop of color, you can sprinkle the cookies with a touch of lemon zest or edible flower petals. Even a drizzle of white chocolate can turn a simple cookie into a dazzling centerpiece for your tea table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies with a pot of freshly brewed tea—Earl Grey for a flavor echo or a delicate jasmine for a floral contrast. For more heartiness, serve alongside fresh fruit, lemon curd, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies into pretty boxes tied with a ribbon as edible gifts, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for classic tea party appeal. For a whimsical twist, serve cookies tucked into small glass jars with a tea bag for a sweet, portable favor that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Store them away from strong odors so the delicate tea flavor stays pure and pronounced.

Freezing

These cookies freeze perfectly! Wrap completely cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. For even more convenience, you can freeze unbaked dough—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Reheating

If your cookies lose their fresh-baked snap, pop them into a 250°F (120°C) oven for five minutes to revive their texture. Let cool for a minute or two before enjoying—just like new!

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?

Absolutely! While you’ll lose that signature bergamot-citrus flavor, any finely ground black tea will work. Try English Breakfast for a more robust profile or even spicy chai for a twist.

Do I have to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted is preferred to control the salt content, but in a pinch, you can use salted butter—just omit the added salt from the recipe. Expect a slightly saltier but still delicious result!

Can I add lemon zest to the dough?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic upgrade! Adding one teaspoon of lemon zest to your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies gives them extra citrus lift and brings out the tea’s natural flavors beautifully.

What if I don’t have a mixer?

No problem! Creaming butter and sugar by hand takes a little more muscle, but with a sturdy wooden spoon and some patience, you’ll get a lovely, fluffy result.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour with a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be a bit more delicate, but you’ll still enjoy all the flavor of classic Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an unapologetically charming cookie that perfectly marries the tradition of tea time with homemade comfort, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are the answer. Even if you’re new to infusing baked goods with tea, the result is wonderfully rewarding—and bound to impress everyone who tries them. So warm up the kettle, grab your mixing bowl, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of bergamot bliss!

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicate and aromatic, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The subtle tea flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery, crumbly texture of traditional shortbread. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing break.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 3–4 tea bags)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chill dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and cut cookies: Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.