There’s something quietly luxurious about baking with Earl Grey tea. The soft floral notes of bergamot blend perfectly with the warmth of black tea, creating a flavor that feels both classic and elegant. These Soft and Fragrant Earl Grey Cookies are an ideal way to enjoy that unique taste in a cozy, homemade treat.
Delicate yet rich, these cookies melt in your mouth with every bite, offering a hint of citrus and a lightly sweetened finish. Whether you’re a long-time tea lover or someone looking to try a new dessert, this recipe brings simple ingredients together to create something truly special. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, a thoughtful gift, or a comforting treat anytime you crave a little indulgence.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gentle, Aromatic Flavor:
Every cookie captures the delicate, floral essence of Earl Grey tea, perfectly complemented by a subtle, balanced sweetness. The hint of bergamot gives them a subtle, uplifting twist that feels comforting yet elegant.
Soft and Tender Texture:
These cookies bake up light and pillowy with a slight crispness around the edges. Every bite feels soft, buttery, and melts smoothly on the tongue — exactly what you want in a perfect tea cookie.
Simple Ingredients, Big Results:
There’s no need for exotic ingredients or intricate techniques — these cookies come together simply and beautifully. Basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and tea come together beautifully to make something special.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
They’re a wonderful treat for tea parties, holiday cookie trays, casual gatherings, or as a quiet indulgence with your afternoon cup of tea. Their elegant flavor makes them feel just a bit more elevated than your everyday cookie.
Customizable:
You can add a lemon glaze for extra brightness, swap in orange zest for a twist, or even make sandwich cookies with a creamy filling for an impressive dessert upgrade.
Make-Ahead Friendly:
The dough can be prepared ahead of time and chilled, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you need them. They also hold up wonderfully over time, maintaining their soft texture and rich flavor for several days.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
(Room temperature butter creates a creamy, smooth dough.) - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
(Adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the Earl Grey flavor.) - 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
(For the most vibrant taste, use loose leaf tea or cut open premium tea bags.) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Enhances the natural citrus and floral notes in the tea.) - 2 cups all-purpose flour
(Provides a tender crumb while giving the cookies just the right amount of structure.) - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
(Helps create a light, soft texture.) - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
(Adds just a touch of lift for a slightly airier bite.) - 1/4 teaspoon salt
(Balances the sweetness and boosts the tea’s natural flavors.)
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
(A light sprinkle makes the cookies extra pretty and adds a delicate sweetness.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tea
- Crush the Earl Grey tea leaves finely using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or food processor.
- Set aside the ground tea for mixing into the dough later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
- Stir the vanilla extract and finely ground tea into the mixture.
- Beat until fully incorporated, ensuring the tea is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt by whisking them together.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overworking the dough.
- Mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Shape the dough into a disk, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap to chill.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and intensifies the flavors.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls or scoop with a tablespoon cookie scoop.
- Space the dough balls about two inches apart on the prepared baking trays.
- Lightly press each ball down with the palm of your hand to slightly flatten.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning lightly golden.
- The centers should remain soft and slightly puffy.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for the Best Earl Grey Cookies
- Use High-Quality Earl Grey Tea:
Choose loose-leaf or finely ground Earl Grey tea made with real bergamot oil for a fresher, more intense flavor. - Grind the Tea Leaves Well:
Ensure the tea leaves are ground to a fine texture to prevent any grittiness in the finished cookies. - Do Not Skip Chilling the Dough:
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and allows the tea flavor to deepen. - Measure Flour Correctly:
Lightly spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off without packing it down to avoid dry cookies. - Avoid Overbaking:
Take the cookies out when the edges are just golden. They’ll continue to set as they cool for that soft, tender bite. - Use Room Temperature Butter:
Softened butter creams better with sugar, giving you a light and fluffy cookie dough. - Rotate Baking Sheets:
If baking multiple sheets at once, rotate them halfway through baking for even results.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Glazed Earl Grey Cookies:
Drizzle a light lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) over the cooled cookies for a bright citrus finish. - Lavender Earl Grey Cookies:
Add ½ teaspoon of culinary lavender with the ground tea for a delicate floral twist. - Chocolate-Dipped Earl Grey Cookies:
Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent upgrade. - Earl Grey Shortbread:
Adjust the flour slightly and omit baking powder to create a firmer, buttery shortbread version. - Orange Zest Addition:
Mix a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest into the dough to enhance the bergamot notes naturally present in Earl Grey.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with a Cup of Tea:
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of Earl Grey or a creamy London Fog latte for an extra cozy, aromatic treat. - Elegant Afternoon Tea Treat:
Arrange them on a tiered stand with scones, mini sandwiches, and fresh fruit for an impressive afternoon tea spread. - Gift-Worthy Presentation:
Stack the cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. - Pair with Citrus or Floral Flavors:
These cookies complement dishes featuring lemon, orange, lavender, or honey. Serve them with lemon sorbet, orange blossom yogurt, or honey butter. - Cookie Platter Favorite:
Add them to a dessert platter with shortbread, macarons, Madeline Cookies, and biscotti for a sophisticated assortment of textures and flavors. - Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Gently sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean or lavender ice cream between two cookies for an elegant, refreshing dessert. - Sweet Brunch Addition:
Offer them during brunch alongside pastries, fruit, and whipped ricotta for a light, elegant touch.
Conclusion
Soft, fragrant, and filled with the soothing notes of bergamot, these Earl Grey Cookies bring a touch of elegance to any table. Whether you enjoy them with your morning tea, serve them at a brunch gathering, or gift them to a friend, their tender texture and subtle flavor are sure to impress, In addition to the health benefits found in Earl Grey.
This easy recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a treat that feels truly special. With just a few simple steps, you can capture the delicate essence of Earl Grey tea in a cookie that’s both familiar and unique.
Whip up a batch today and experience the perfect harmony of refined flavor and comforting sweetness in every bite. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to grab another before finishing the first!
Earl Grey Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- Room temperature butter creates a creamy, smooth dough.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the Earl Grey flavor.
- 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
- For the most vibrant taste, use loose leaf tea or cut open premium tea bags.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Enhances the natural citrus and floral notes in the tea.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Provides a tender crumb while giving the cookies just the right amount of structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Helps create a light, soft texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Adds just a touch of lift for a slightly airier bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Balances the sweetness and boosts the tea’s natural flavors.
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- A light sprinkle makes the cookies extra pretty and adds a delicate sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tea
- Crush the Earl Grey tea leaves finely using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or food processor.
- Set aside the ground tea for mixing into the dough later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
- Stir the vanilla extract and finely ground tea into the mixture.
- Beat until fully incorporated, ensuring the tea is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt by whisking them together.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overworking the dough.
- Mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Shape the dough into a disk, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap to chill.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and intensifies the flavors.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls or scoop with a tablespoon cookie scoop.
- Space the dough balls about two inches apart on the prepared baking trays.
- Lightly press each ball down with the palm of your hand to slightly flatten.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning lightly golden.
- The centers should remain soft and slightly puffy.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 8g
FAQs
What does Earl Grey taste like?
Earl Grey tea features a smooth black tea foundation, brightened with the floral-citrusy aroma of bergamot orange for a lightly creamy, uplifting taste.
What is the flavor of Earl Grey?
The flavor is a blend of rich black tea with a refreshing hint of bergamot, delivering a unique balance of bold and fragrant citrus tones.
How to infuse tea flavor into cookies?
You can finely grind the tea leaves and mix them directly into the dough, or steep the tea in butter to infuse it with the tea’s natural oils and flavors.
How to infuse Earl Grey into butter?
Melt the butter gently, then stir in the Earl Grey tea leaves and allow them to steep for 10 to 15 minutes, infusing the butter with their signature flavor. Strain the butter to remove the leaves before using.
Can Earl Grey be drunk with milk?
Yes, Earl Grey pairs beautifully with milk, especially if you enjoy creamier teas like a London Fog. The milk softens the citrus notes for a smooth finish.
What does Earl Grey pair well with?
Earl Grey pairs wonderfully with lemon desserts, vanilla pastries, light scones, and buttery cookies — anything that complements its floral and citrusy profile.
Why is Earl Grey so delicious?
The blend of brisk black tea and fragrant bergamot creates a layered, comforting flavor that’s both invigorating and soothing, making it loved by tea enthusiasts worldwide.
