Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies: Your New Favorite Tea Pairing

There’s something undeniably comforting about the buttery, crumbly texture of a perfect shortbread cookie. But when infused with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea, this humble treat transforms into something truly extraordinary. These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies combine the classic simplicity of traditional shortbread with the sophisticated flavor profile of bergamot-infused tea. The delicate balance of flavors in Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies creates an aromatic, elegant treat that’s perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to a moment of indulgence.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The subtle bergamot and black tea notes complement the rich butteriness of traditional shortbread without overwhelming it.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared days in advance and kept refrigerated, or even frozen for up to a month.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Despite their sophisticated flavor profile, these cookies require just a handful of ingredients and basic baking skills.
• Versatile: Can be dressed up with glazes, dipped in chocolate, or enjoyed in their pure, elegant form.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the tea: If using tea bags, carefully cut them open and grind the leaves finely using a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle. If using loose leaf tea, grind until the leaves are fine but not powdery.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground tea leaves, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and powdered sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add flavorings: Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) until fully incorporated.
5. Mix in dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as no dry flour remains.
6. Form the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
7. Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. This step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.
8. Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Slice and bake: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice into rounds approximately ¼-inch thick. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each.
10. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just barely beginning to turn golden. The cookies should remain pale.
11. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Substitutions

• Tea Selection: While traditional Earl Grey works beautifully, you can experiment with variations like Lady Grey (which includes lemon and orange peel) or cream Earl Grey for different flavor profiles.
• Grinding the Tea: The finer the tea is ground, the more evenly distributed the flavor will be. However, avoid grinding to a powder—small flecks of tea leaves add beautiful visual interest to the cookies.
• Butter Temperature: Properly softened butter is key. It should yield to gentle pressure but still hold its shape. If the butter is too soft, chill the dough longer before baking.
• Sugar Options: For a slightly different flavor, substitute granulated sugar for the powdered sugar, though this will change the texture slightly.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for equally delicious results.
• Enhancing the Citrus Notes: For more pronounced bergamot flavor, add ½ teaspoon of orange or lemon extract alongside the vanilla.
• Sweet Variations: Love unique flavor fusions? Try dipping these cookies in white chocolate and adding crushed pistachios for a twist inspired by our popular Knafeh Chocolate Bar recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant presentation.
• Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for a more decadent treat.
• Serve alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea (of course!) for a perfectly harmonious pairing.
• Package in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• For an extraordinary dessert pairing, serve these cookies alongside our Matcha Basque Burnt Cheesecake for a tea-inspired dessert theme that will impress your guests.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, the baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. The unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 1 month—simply slice and bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Facts

Based on a yield of 24 cookies

Frequently Asked Questions About Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

What makes Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies different from regular shortbread?

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies differ from traditional shortbread through the addition of finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. These tea leaves infuse the cookies with bergamot’s distinctive citrusy flavor and subtle floral notes, creating a more complex and aromatic taste profile than plain shortbread. The tiny specks of tea leaves also give Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies a unique visual appeal that sets them apart from classic shortbread varieties.

Can I freeze Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies?

Yes, Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies freeze exceptionally well! You can freeze them either as unbaked dough or as baked cookies. For unbaked dough, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply slice the frozen dough and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. For baked Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Do Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies contain caffeine?

Yes, Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies do contain a small amount of caffeine from the tea leaves. However, the caffeine content is minimal compared to a cup of tea, as each cookie only contains a fraction of the tea leaves used to brew a cup. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might consider using decaffeinated Earl Grey tea leaves in your shortbread cookies.

Can I make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies without a mixer?

Absolutely! While an electric mixer makes the process easier, you can make Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies by hand. Simply cream the butter and sugar together using a wooden spoon and plenty of elbow grease until light and fluffy. The rest of the process remains the same. Hand-mixing may give your Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies an even more rustic, homemade quality.

Creating Earl Grey Shortbread Magic at Home

These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies exemplify how a simple, thoughtful addition can elevate a classic recipe into something truly memorable. The delicate tea flavor infuses every bite with sophistication, while the traditional shortbread base provides that comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.

What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility. Elegant enough for a formal tea party yet humble enough for an everyday treat, they bridge the gap between special occasion indulgence and simple pleasure. The visual appeal of the tiny tea flecks throughout the pale golden cookies adds an artisanal touch that makes them all the more irresistible.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies offer a foolproof way to create something extraordinary with minimal effort. The key is quality ingredients—particularly good butter and fresh tea—and attention to the little details like proper chilling time and careful baking.

Have you tried infusing tea flavors into your baking? We’d love to hear about your experience making these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies! Leave a comment below sharing your results or any creative variations you’ve tried. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspired recipes that bring a touch of elegance to everyday baking!