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A Hand Picks up A Flower-Shaped Earl Grey Shortbread Cookie Topped with A Chocolate Center from A Tart Pan Lined with Parchment Paper

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Welcome to your new favorite comfort cookie. These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies blend the delicate, citrusy aroma of bergamot with the rich creaminess of real butter for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s as cozy as it is classy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine British-inspired
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spice grinder or mini food processor (for grinding tea)
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Rolling pin and cookie cutter (or slice-and-bake method)
  • Plastic Wrap (for chilling dough)
  • Wire rack (for cooling)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp loose Earl Grey tea leaves (or contents of 2 tea bags)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Optional Extras

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Simple glaze (¼ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk or lemon juice)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Tea
    Grind Earl Grey tea leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder or food processor.
    This ensures the flavor is evenly distributed and the texture stays smooth.
    A Person Strains Finely Ground Earl Grey Tea Leaves Into a Small Glass Bowl on A Marble Countertop
  • Cream Butter and Sugar
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
    Add in the ground tea, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
    A Person Adds a Spoonful of Powdered Sugar to A Mixing Bowl with Butter and Ground Tea Leaves
  • Mix in the Flour
    Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together.
    Don’t overwork it—you want tender cookies, not tough ones.
  • Shape and Chill (Optional but Helpful)
    Form dough into a log or flatten into a disc.
    Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes if you want cleaner edges on your cookies.
    A Person Presses Cookie Dough Together on A Sheet of Reusable Beeswax Wrap to Shape It Before Chilling
  • Roll and Cut
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into your favorite shapes, or slice rounds from the dough log.
    A Person Rolls out Earl Grey Cookie Dough Evenly on Parchment Paper Using a Metal Rolling Pin with Adjustable Rings
  • Bake
    Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t overbake.
    Cut-Out Earl Grey Cookies Bake on A Parchment-Lined Sheet Pan Inside an Oven
  • Cool and Decorate (Optional)
    Cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze once completely cooled, if you’re feeling fancy.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Grind your tea fine: Big flakes of tea = weird texture. Make it powder-fine for best results.
  • Chill the dough: Especially if you’re cutting shapes. It helps with clean lines.
  • Use real butter: No substitutions here. Butter is the flavor star.
  • Want extra elegance? A lemon glaze adds zing. Chocolate drizzle brings indulgence.
Keyword British Inspired, Butter Lovers, Cookies, Earl Grey, Easy Baking