These Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Infused with the fragrant tea, they offer a unique flavor that makes them truly special!
Imagine biting into a warm cookie with a hint of bergamot—it’s like a little hug in cookie form! I love enjoying them with a cup of tea; it’s a cozy moment I cherish. ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can replace it with coconut oil or margarine, though the texture might vary slightly.
Earl Grey Tea Leaves: Freshly ground leaves offer the best flavor, but you might use any black tea leaves if you’re in a pinch. Just remember, it won’t have that unique bergamot taste.
Granulated Sugar: While regular granulated sugar works perfectly, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option. The texture might be a little different, but they’ll still taste great!
All-Purpose Flour: This is ideal for cookies, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right consistency! You could also try almond flour for a nutty flavor.
How Do You Ensure Your Cookies Are Soft and Tender?
Getting the right texture in these cookies comes down to a few key steps:
- Do not overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Chill the dough: If you want a more structured cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps control spreading.
- Perfect baking time: Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft. They will firm up while cooling, so don’t wait for them to be too brown.
Following these tips will help you achieve the soft texture that makes these cookies delightful!
Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar, for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 30 minutes. After baking, let the cookies cool for a bit before enjoying. Perfect for a quick treat anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheets:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking!
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using a mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for airy cookies!
3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mix. Mix until everything is well combined. You want a smooth and creamy texture at this stage.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will ensure even flavor throughout the cookies.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay!
6. Shaping the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar until fully coated. Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This gives them room to spread while baking!
7. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to turn golden but the centers still look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
8. Cooling the Cookies:
After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy Your Cookies:
Once cooled, enjoy these soft, fragrant Earl Grey sugar cookies with a nice cup of tea or coffee. They offer a deliciously cozy treat and are perfect for sharing!
These cookies are tender and soft, with a subtle bergamot flavor throughout, making them a unique twist on classic sugar cookies. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Butter for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute unsalted butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter stick. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing!
What Can I Substitute for Earl Grey Tea Leaves?
If you’re out of Earl Grey tea, you can use another type of black tea or even a flavored herbal tea. Just note that the cookie flavor will change, so choose a tea you enjoy!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time!
How Should I Store the Leftover Cookies?
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but be aware they may lose some softness.
