There’s something truly special about the delicate, citrusy aroma of Earl Grey tea. Whether enjoyed in a warm cup on a cozy afternoon or infused into a buttery cookie, its distinct bergamot flavor adds an elegant and sophisticated touch. Earl Grey Cookies take a classic, simple treat and transform it into something extraordinary—perfect for tea lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
What Are Earl Grey Cookies?
Earl Grey Cookies are buttery, aromatic, and lightly crisp with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re infused with finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, which impart subtle citrusy and floral notes, making them stand out from ordinary shortbread or sugar cookies. The result is a delicate yet flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Unique & Flavorful – The bergamot-infused tea gives these cookies a distinctive, refined taste.
✔ Perfect for Tea Lovers – If you love Earl Grey tea, you’ll adore these cookies.
✔ Versatile Treat – Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, elegant dessert, or a homemade gift for friends and family.
Earl Grey Cookies Recipe
Course: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy24 cookies
servings30
minutes12
minutes120-150 kcal per cookie
kcalThese buttery, aromatic Earl Grey Cookies are crisp yet tender, infused with the delicate citrus and floral notes of Earl Grey tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (about 3 tea bags or 2 tsp loose-leaf tea, finely ground)
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (for extra tenderness)
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk (for a richer texture)
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:
1 teaspoon lemon zest (adds a bright citrus flavor)
½ cup white chocolate chips (for a sweet contrast)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Melted white or dark chocolate for dipping
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
Grind the tea leaves: If using loose-leaf tea, grind the leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. This helps the tea blend smoothly into the dough.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground Earl Grey tea, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Wet Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies stay tender.
If using lemon zest or white chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough.
Form the dough into a log shape (about 2 inches in diameter), wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor). - Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. - Cool Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decorative finish. - Storage Freezing Tips
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
✔ Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in a sealed container.
✔ Freeze: Freeze dough logs for up to 3 months. Simply slice and bake when ready.
Notes
Table of Contents
A Taste of British Elegance 🇬🇧
Earl Grey tea has long been associated with British culture, named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was the British Prime Minister in the early 1800s. Known for its black tea base infused with bergamot oil, Earl Grey has been a beloved tea-time staple for centuries. These cookies capture the essence of this classic tea in a delightful, edible form.
I first discovered Earl Grey Cookies while searching for a unique homemade gift idea for a fellow tea lover. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked—the balance of buttery richness and citrusy tea essence was simply irresistible. Ever since, these cookies have become a tea-time tradition, bringing a little extra elegance to every bite.
Tips & Variations for Perfect Earl Grey Cookies
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of Earl Grey Cookies, it’s time to get creative! Whether you want to enhance the flavor, adjust the recipe for dietary needs, or elevate the presentation, here are some simple yet elegant ways to customize your cookies.
Flavor Variations
Looking to experiment with different flavors? Try these fun twists on the classic Earl Grey Cookie:
✔ Bright & Citrusy – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for an extra pop of citrus that complements the bergamot in Earl Grey tea.
✔ Floral Elegance – Use lavender-infused sugar instead of regular sugar to introduce delicate floral notes.
✔ Spiced Twist – Swap out Earl Grey tea for chai tea to create a warm, spiced cookie with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
✔ Vanilla Bean Infusion – Scrape in the seeds from ½ of a vanilla bean for a richer, more complex flavor.
✔ Chocolate Lovers’ Delight – Stir in mini dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
Dietary Adjustments
Want to make Earl Grey Cookies fit your dietary preferences? Here’s how:
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend (1:1 substitute) to make the cookies light and crisp without gluten.
✔ Vegan Version – Replace:
- Butter with vegan butter or coconut oil
- Eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg)
✔ Sugar-Free Alternative – Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or a baking-friendly sugar alternative.
Tip: Vegan and gluten-free versions may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious!
Presentation Ideas
Make your Earl Grey Cookies look as amazing as they taste with these finishing touches:
✔ Dust with Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar gives them an elegant, bakery-style look.
✔ Dipped in White Chocolate – Melt white chocolate and dip half of each cookie in it for a sophisticated, sweet contrast. Let them set on parchment paper before serving.
✔ Decorative Drizzle – Drizzle with lemon glaze or melted dark chocolate for extra flair.
✔ Pair with Tea – Serve these cookies alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea for a perfectly themed treat.
Get Creative & Enjoy!
With these tips and variations, you can tailor your Earl Grey Cookies to match your personal taste, dietary needs, and presentation style. Whether you prefer citrusy, floral, or chocolatey flavors, these cookies offer endless possibilities!
Which variation are you most excited to try? Drop a comment below and share your baking experience! ☕🍪✨
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Baking Earl Grey Cookies is a simple yet delicate process, and small mistakes can affect the texture, flavor, and overall appearance of your cookies. If you’ve run into any issues, don’t worry! Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems and ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Problem: The Cookies Are Too Dry
🔴 Issue: The cookies feel crumbly and lack a tender, buttery texture.
✅ Solution:
✔ Avoid overbaking – Remove the cookies from the oven once the edges turn golden to prevent them from drying out.
✔ Measure flour accurately – Too much flour can lead to a dry dough. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag for accurate measurements.
Problem: The Cookies Spread Too Much
🔴 Issue: The cookies flatten too much while baking.
✅ Solution:
✔ Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking—this helps the cookies hold their shape.
✔ Ensure your butter isn’t too soft – If it’s overly melted, the dough will be too loose and spread too much.
Problem: The Tea Flavor Is Too Strong or Too Weak
🔴 Issue: The Earl Grey flavor is either overwhelming or barely noticeable.
✅ Solution:
✔ Adjust the amount of tea leaves to suit your preference. Start with 1½ teaspoons of finely ground tea and increase or decrease based on your taste.
✔ Use high-quality loose-leaf tea for a richer and more aromatic flavor.
Problem: The Cookies Are Too Sweet or Not Sweet Enough
🔴 Issue: The sweetness level doesn’t match your taste.
✅ Solution:
✔ Reduce or increase the sugar slightly depending on your preference.
✔ Use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for a less refined taste.
Problem: The Cookies Are Gritty
🔴 Issue: The texture feels grainy due to the tea leaves.
✅ Solution:
✔ Grind the tea leaves finely before adding them to the dough—this ensures they blend smoothly into the butter.
✔ Sift the dry ingredients to prevent any rough texture in the final bake.
Nutritional Information for Earl Grey Cookies
While Earl Grey Cookies are a delightful treat, it’s always helpful to know their nutritional breakdown. Whether you’re indulging in a classic version or opting for a healthier twist, here’s what you need to know.
Caloric Breakdown (Per Cookie)
✔ Calories: ~120-150 kcal (varies based on size and add-ins)
✔ Total Fat: 6-8g (mostly from butter)
✔ Carbohydrates: 15-18g (from flour and sugars)
✔ Protein: 2-3g (from eggs and flour)
✔ Sugar: 8-10g (from granulated and powdered sugars)
➡ Source: USDA FoodData Central
Health Benefits
✔ Earl Grey Tea: Contains antioxidants that may help support heart health and reduce inflammation.
✔ Balanced Sugar Content: While these cookies are sweet, they contain less sugar than many traditional desserts.
✔ Butter & Eggs: Provide essential fats and protein, contributing to a rich, satisfying texture.
➡ Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Healthier Alternatives
Want to enjoy Earl Grey Cookies with a healthier twist? Try these modifications:
✅ Use whole wheat flour or oat flour – Adds fiber and nutrients for a heartier texture.
✅ Reduce sugar by ¼ cup – Earl Grey tea already provides a natural depth of flavor.
✅ Swap for a natural sweetener – Use honey, coconut sugar, or monk fruit sweetener as a refined sugar alternative.
By making small changes, you can enjoy a delicious, balanced cookie that fits your lifestyle! ☕🍪✨
➡ For more nutritional details, visit USDA FoodData Central.
FAQs About Earl Grey Cookies
Can I use loose-leaf Earl Grey tea?
Yes! Loose-leaf tea works wonderfully in this recipe.
✔ Grind it finely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to prevent a gritty texture.
✔ If using tea bags, simply cut them open and use the finely ground tea inside.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing cookie dough is a great way to enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you like.
✔ How to freeze: Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
✔ How to bake from frozen: Bake directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly, Earl Grey Cookies stay delicious for days!
✔ Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
✔ Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
✔ Freezer: Fully baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can make egg-free Earl Grey Cookies with a simple swap.
✔ Flax egg substitute: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use in place of 1 egg.
✔ Other options: Unsweetened applesauce or yogurt can also work as egg replacements.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! For a gluten-free version:
✔ Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
✔ Add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t already include it—this helps with texture.
Bake & Enjoy Your Perfect Earl Grey Cookies!
Earl Grey Cookies are a must-try treat—buttery, aromatic, and infused with the delicate citrus and floral notes of Earl Grey tea. Whether you’re a tea lover looking for a unique dessert or simply want to elevate your cookie game, this recipe is an easy way to add a touch of elegance to your baking.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy the irresistible blend of tea and buttery goodness.
We’d love to hear from you! Did you try a fun variation? Do you prefer a hint of lemon, a drizzle of chocolate, or an extra-strong tea flavor? Drop a comment below and share your baking experience!
For more unique dessert ideas, check out our matcha cookies, chai-spiced treats, and other tea-infused baked goods. Follow us on [Facebook] for even more recipes and inspiration!
Happy baking! ☕🍪✨