A Kitchen Memory in Every Bite
Hi! I’m Lucy Tadic, a 45-year-old mom of three from just outside Minneapolis. Baking has always been a little bit of therapy and a whole lot of love for me. I first discovered Earl Grey cookies during a hectic winter when I was deep into tea and even deeper into chaos—sick kids, snowed-in days, and a bottomless cookie jar that couldn’t stay full. A friend dropped off a small tin of cookies that smelled like bergamot and vanilla, and the first bite stopped me in my tracks.
They weren’t overly sweet, just crisp with a gentle citrusy finish and a faint floral note that reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen in Croatia. I asked for the recipe and then adapted it about twelve times to fit my schedule, my pantry, and my very opinionated kids.
Now, Earl Grey cookies are part of our regular rotation. They’re the kind of cookie that feels fancy but comes together easily, and they’re perfect with a mug of tea during a stolen moment of quiet. Whether I’m baking a batch alongside my Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread or prepping for a cozy Sunday breakfast with Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Pancakes, these cookies always deliver.
Over the years, I’ve added my own twists sometimes chocolate, sometimes lemon, and sometimes a double batch for freezing. If you’re looking for a cookie that brings something different to the table, one that tastes like calm and comfort with a sophisticated kick, this is the one. Let’s dive into how to make the best Earl Grey cookies that’ll quickly become your favorite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Earl Grey Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Delicately crisp and citrus-scented, these Earl Grey cookies are perfect for tea time, gifting, or an elegant snack. Ground tea leaves deliver bold flavor in a buttery, rollable dough.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (ground)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
Instructions
1. In a food processor, pulse flour, baking powder, salt, and tea leaves until finely ground.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and egg, mix well.
3. Add dry mixture to wet ingredients. Mix until dough forms.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
6. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on rack.
Notes
For a chocolate twist, fold in 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate.
Dough can be frozen up to 3 months, or baked cookies stored airtight for 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Making Perfect Earl Grey Cookies
Grinding Tea for Bold Flavor
The star of any Earl Grey cookie is, of course, the tea. But the secret to making that flavor pop? Skip steeping. You want to use the actual tea leaves—yes, grind them right into your dry ingredients. Earl Grey is usually a black tea base infused with bergamot oil, so grinding the leaves captures all those citrusy floral notes that steeping might dilute.
I use a food processor to pulse the tea with flour, but you can also use a spice grinder or even a mortar and pestle if you’re channeling old-school vibes. Aim for a fine texture not powdery, but fine enough to distribute evenly. Each bite of these cookies should deliver a burst of that unmistakable Earl Grey essence.
Looking for how ground ingredients affect baking? My experiment with unique flours in the Delicious Passover Potato Pie Recipe showed how texture really transforms results.
Tips for the Best Cookie Texture
These cookies are meant to be crisp with tender centers not overly chewy, and not crumbly like shortbread. The right butter consistency is key. Use softened, not melted, butter, and beat it well with sugar to get that fluffy lift before adding in your dry mix.
Chilling the dough makes all the difference. Wrap it tight and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilled dough means easier rolling, better-defined shapes, and fewer chances of the cookies spreading like pancakes in the oven.
Another bonus? This dough holds its shape beautifully. So break out those cute cookie cutters hearts, leaves, even teapots. If your kids love themed treats like mine do, you’ll enjoy the playfulness of baking, similar to how we decorate Create a Magical Barbie Cake for birthdays.
Variations You’ll Love
Dark Chocolate Earl Grey Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the basics of Earl Grey cookies, it’s time to get creative—and nothing upgrades this cozy treat like dark chocolate. The rich, slightly bitter notes of chocolate pair beautifully with the bright, citrusy flavor of Earl Grey. It’s a combination that feels indulgent without being over-the-top.
Mix in finely chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips right before chilling the dough. Or dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. Want drama? Sprinkle flaky salt for balance.
If you’re in the mood for more indulgent creations, my Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies hit that same balance of richness and texture.
Creative Flavor Add-Ins
Earl Grey plays well with floral or citrus-forward ingredients. Try lemon zest to amplify the bergamot. Just one teaspoon of fresh zest brightens the whole batch. Lavender buds add a floral twist just a pinch does the trick.
Vanilla extract adds warmth, but almond extract brings out sweetness differently. You can also try powdered sugar glaze with lemon juice and tea like we do for our brunch trays with Peanut Butter Brownie Boudle Cheesecake Ice Cream when we need something sweet and tangy.
Storing, Freezing & Gifting
Can You Freeze Earl Grey Cookies?
Absolutely—and I do it often. You can freeze raw dough or baked cookies. Shape the dough into a log or disc and wrap it tightly before sealing in a freezer bag. Label it clearly so you’re not guessing two months later.
To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Already baked cookies? Cool them completely and layer with parchment in an airtight container. They’ll stay flavorful for up to 3 months.
I use similar freezing steps with other bakes like Quick and Easy Fudge, which I also keep ready for guests or unexpected events.
Gifting Ideas for Tea Lovers
These cookies are charming and giftable. Wrap them in wax paper inside a kraft box or tin. Add Earl Grey sachets or a tiny jar of lemon curd for a thoughtful touch.
I’ve gifted cookies with savory snacks like Easy Chicken Quesadilla and even tied tins into care packages with our favorite cozy snacks. They travel well and stay crisp, making them ideal for cookie swaps, parties, and long-distance love.
FAQ About Earl Grey Cookies
How to make Earl Grey cookies?
Start by grinding Earl Grey tea leaves and mixing them into your dry ingredients. Cream softened butter with sugar and vanilla, add an egg, and combine with the dry mix. Chill the dough for at least one hour, then roll, cut, and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. This creates a cookie that’s crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and full of aromatic flavor.
Is Earl Grey cookie evil?
Nope unless you’re talking about the adorable villain from Cookie Run Kingdom. In the real world, Earl Grey cookies are anything but evil. They’re elegant, lightly sweet, and perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea. For more fun bakes that kids love, you might try the Create a Magical Barbie Cake a bit more sparkle, a lot less bergamot.
Can you freeze Earl Grey cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly and label clearly. This is a lifesaver during busy weeks or holiday baking blitzes. Need other freezer-friendly treats? Try the Quick and Easy Fudge Recipe or Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies.
How to make dark chocolate Earl Grey cookies?
Fold chopped dark chocolate into the finished dough before chilling, or dip baked cookies in melted chocolate once they’ve cooled. For a bolder twist, try replacing a small portion of flour with cocoa powder. This creates a deep, elegant flavor that feels gourmet. You can pair it beautifully with something creamy, like the Peanut Butter Brownie Boudle Cheesecake Ice Cream.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a tea party, planning a thoughtful gift, or just sneaking five minutes to yourself before school pickup, Earl Grey cookies are a beautiful little moment of calm. They’re surprisingly simple, deeply flavorful, and endlessly versatile. My kids love them in dino shapes, I love them dipped in dark chocolate, and guests always ask for the recipe.
So go ahead bake a batch, pour yourself a cup, and let this lovely, fragrant cookie make your kitchen smell like joy. And if you’re feeling inspired, pair it with a fresh loaf from my Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe or serve alongside Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Pancakes for a brunch that feels like a hug.
Earl Grey Cookies Mouthwatering Flavors You’ll Love
Discover the perfect blend of sweet and citrusy with these easy Earl Grey Cookies! Infused with aromatic tea and simple pantry staples, they're ideal for tea parties, gifts, or a cozy snack. Get the recipe and baking tips now!
Type: Dessert / Snack
Cuisine: International (with a British tea-inspired twist)
Keywords: Earl Grey cookies, tea-infused cookies, citrus cookies, baking, dessert, snack, tea time, homemade gifts, easy baking, aromatic cookies
Recipe Yield: 24 cookies (approximately)
Calories: ~120 calories per cookie (optional, may vary based on ingredients and size)
Preparation Time: PT20M
Cooking Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT32M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon citrus zest (lemon or orange)
- Optional: ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips
Recipe Instructions: Prepare the Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing. If desired, fold in citrus zest or white chocolate chips. Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is sticky, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, place them on the baking sheet, and lightly flatten with a spoon or your hand. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still be soft but will firm up as they cool. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional Glaze: For extra flair, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice. Serve and Enjoy: Pair with tea, coffee, or milk for a delightful treat!
4.8
Pros
- Unique and aromatic flavor from Earl Grey tea.
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Versatile—perfect for tea parties, gifts, or snacks.
- Customizable with add-ins like chocolate or citrus zest.
- Delicate balance of sweetness and citrusy notes.
Cons
- Requires grinding tea leaves, which may be an extra step.
- Butter must be softened, which requires planning ahead.
- Not suitable for those avoiding caffeine (due to tea content).
- May spread too much if dough is not chilled.