Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines comfort and sophistication, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are an absolute favorite in my household. The blend of buttery sweetness with the fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea creates cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something sweet after dinner, these cookies are sure to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to whip up. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have your dough ready to go! Plus, the rich flavor makes them a wonderful surprise for guests or just an indulgence for yourself on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: The dough comes together in under 10 minutes, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Sophisticated Flavor: The unique addition of Earl Grey tea elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves these soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready!
• Versatile Treat: Whether served at a tea party or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that making Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies requires only simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Cookies

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon table salt (or fine sea salt)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 2 tablespoons earl grey tea leaves (about 3 tea bags)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla (extract or paste)
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up and make it your own. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Citrus Zest: Brighten up the flavors by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Incorporate Nuts: For added texture, fold in some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds before baking.
• Use Different Teas: Experiment with different flavored teas like chai or chamomile for a unique twist.
• Make it Glazed: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cookies—leading to that perfect soft texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the melted butter with both sugars—granulated and brown. Mix until well combined. Then add in the vanilla extract and egg, stirring until smooth. This mixture contributes richness and flavor to your cookies.

Step 4: Infuse with Earl Grey

Add the Earl Grey tea leaves into your wet mixture. Don’t skip this step! Infusing the butter with tea brings out those aromatic flavors that make these cookies truly special.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! This helps keep your cookies soft and tender.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out your cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each one in granulated sugar before placing them on the sheet—this gives them that lovely sparkling finish!

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 9 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They may look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect! They’ll continue cooking as they cool down.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy these delicious Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!

Now that you know how easy it is to make these delightful treats, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh tea leaves: The flavor of your cookies will shine if you opt for freshly brewed Earl Grey tea leaves instead of old tea bags. Fresh leaves pack a more robust flavor that truly elevates the cookie experience.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies that maintain their shape during baking.

• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. They should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when done.

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

How to Serve Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

These Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, here are some ideas to make your presentation shine!

Garnishes

• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top adds a refreshing citrusy aroma that complements the Earl Grey flavors beautifully.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies an elegant touch, making them perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

• Herbal tea: Pair your cookies with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, which will harmonize beautifully with the flavors of Earl Grey.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like berries and apples adds a light contrast and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Cheese platter: Offer a small cheese platter with mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie. The creaminess pairs wonderfully with the cookie’s texture and flavor profile.
• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or lavender ice cream adds a delightful creaminess that complements these soft cookies perfectly, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Enjoy crafting these Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies and sharing them with loved ones! They are sure to bring smiles and warmth to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them even longer, refrigerate them, which can extend their freshness up to two weeks.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies!

Can I use different types of tea for these cookies?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights Earl Grey tea, you can experiment with other flavors such as chamomile or chai. Just ensure that the flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies?

To boost the Earl Grey flavor, consider increasing the amount of tea leaves used or adding a few drops of Earl Grey extract if available. This will give your cookies an extra aromatic kick!

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies make wonderful gifts. Just package them nicely in a decorative box or jar with a personal note for a heartfelt touch.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help firm it up and make it easier to handle.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies! Their delightful flavor and soft texture truly make them special treats that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying them with tea or sharing with friends, I’m excited for you to try this recipe. Happy baking!