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Perfect Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies Recipe with Zesty Lemon Glaze

Earl Grey shortbread cookies - featured image
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Delight in buttery shortbread cookies infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea leaves and topped with a bright, tangy lemon glaze. These easy homemade treats offer a perfect balance of floral and citrus flavors, ideal for tea time or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves, finely crushed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the lemon glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1–2 teaspoons milk or water

Instructions

  1. Place 2 tablespoons of loose Earl Grey tea leaves in a sieve or tea infuser and crush finely using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to break into small flecks without powder.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light, pale, and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and the crushed Earl Grey tea leaves.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. If dough is crumbly, knead gently by hand to form a cohesive dough.
  6. Form the dough into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  8. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the chilled dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out cookies with a 2.5 inch (6 cm) round cookie cutter and transfer to the baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges start to turn golden but cookies remain pale.
  10. Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before glazing.
  11. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1-2 teaspoons milk or water until smooth and pourable.
  12. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use softened butter (not melting) for best texture to prevent spreading. Crush tea leaves finely but avoid powder to prevent bitterness. Chill dough at least 30 minutes to keep cookies thick and easy to roll. Drizzle glaze lightly to avoid sogginess. Store cookies in airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness. Dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Earl Grey, shortbread cookies, lemon glaze, tea cookies, homemade treats, easy baking, buttery cookies, lemon zest, floral cookies

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/perfect-earl-grey-shortbread-cookies-recipe-with-zesty-lemon-glaze-easy-homemade-treats/