Earl Grey Cookies are the kind of treat that turns a quiet moment into something special. Fragrant, buttery, and kissed with the subtle citrusy warmth of bergamot, these cookies bring elegance to everyday baking. Whether you’re enjoying them with afternoon tea or sharing a plate with friends, they’re a beautiful balance of flavor and simplicity.
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A Bit of Emily’s Story
When I was a teenager, my grandmother used to serve Earl Grey tea in a delicate porcelain cup with a matching saucer and a tiny silver spoon—always at 3 p.m. sharp. It wasn’t just about the tea; it was about the ritual. That gentle pause in the day, the warmth of the cup, the scent of bergamot in the air—it stayed with me long after I’d outgrown those dainty cups.
Years later, when I was experimenting in the kitchen, I wanted to turn that feeling into something you could hold in your hands. That’s how Earl Grey Cookies came to life. I imagined a cookie that was tender, buttery, and infused with the calming notes of the tea I grew up loving. It had to be delicate, but not too subtle—comforting, but not too sweet.
The first batch of Earl Grey Cookies I baked surprised me. The finely crushed tea leaves added a floral complexity, and every bite felt like a memory. These cookies weren’t just a treat—they were a connection to my roots. Now, they’re one of my favorite recipes to share, especially when I want to slow down, sip some tea, and remember the quiet joy of Grandma’s kitchen.
PrintEarl Grey Cookies: A Delicate Treat with a Cozy Twist
Earl Grey Cookies are fragrant, buttery, and kissed with the subtle citrusy warmth of bergamot. These elegant cookies turn a quiet moment into something special, perfect with tea or shared with friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags, finely ground)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.
- Slowly mix in dry ingredients just until dough comes together. Do not overwork.
- Divide dough into two logs, wrap in parchment or plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on sheet 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on pan 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Use high-quality Earl Grey tea and grind finely for even flavor. Chill the dough for at least an hour to help the cookies hold their shape. Optional lemon zest adds brightness. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Earl Grey Cookies are the kind of treat that feels both delicate and deeply comforting. With their buttery crumb, subtle sweetness, and the soft floral-citrus notes of bergamot, they bring a quiet elegance to any moment. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, gifting them in a cookie box, or enjoying one on a quiet afternoon with a warm mug in hand, these cookies never feel out of place. They’re simple to make, yet taste like something truly special. And best of all, they keep well, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to savor over several days—or to share, if you can part with them.
Earl Grey Cookies Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags, finely ground)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a citrusy boost
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it.
- Divide the dough into two logs, wrap in parchment or plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight for richer flavor).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Emily’s Tips
When making Earl Grey Cookies, the quality of the tea really does make a difference—choose a fragrant, high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey and grind it finely so the flavor is evenly distributed in the dough.
I always chill the cookie dough for at least an hour, or even overnight, which helps the cookies hold their shape and deepens their flavor. If you’re after a little brightness, adding a touch of lemon zest gives the cookies a lovely lift without overpowering the tea. And while Earl Grey Cookies are perfect on their own, a drizzle of lemon glaze can turn them into a beautiful gift or tea party centerpiece. Most importantly, bake them with intention—slow down, enjoy the moment, and let the subtle aroma of Earl Grey fill your kitchen.
How to Store Them
Once baked and cooled, Earl Grey Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days and retain their buttery texture beautifully. If you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze them in layers between parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve. Whether you’re baking ahead for a gathering or saving a few for quiet afternoons, these cookies store well and taste just as lovely the next day—which makes Earl Grey Cookies one of Emily’s favorite make-ahead treats.
Conclusion
Earl Grey Cookies are a quiet kind of magic—simple, elegant, and full of meaning. For me, they’re more than a cookie; they’re a nod to slower afternoons, handwritten letters, and the comfort of traditions passed down.
So next time you’re craving something delicate and thoughtful, brew a pot of tea and bake a batch. You just might start a new ritual of your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Earl Grey chocolate taste like?
Earl Grey chocolate has a rich, smooth base with hints of floral citrus from the bergamot in the tea. The flavor is elegant and slightly perfumed, adding depth and sophistication to dark or milk chocolate blends.
Are Earl Grey cookies caffeinated?
Yes, Earl Grey cookies do contain a small amount of caffeine from the tea leaves, but the level is mild—typically less than a cup of brewed tea. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you can use decaffeinated Earl Grey.
How long does Earl Grey need?
If you’re brewing Earl Grey tea, it generally needs about 3–5 minutes to steep for the best flavor. In baking, the tea is infused directly into the dough, so steeping isn’t required—but using finely ground tea ensures the flavor is well distributed.
How do you make Earl Grey taste stronger?
To boost the Earl Grey flavor in your baking, use high-quality loose-leaf tea and grind it finely before adding. You can also steep the tea in melted butter or milk used in the recipe for a stronger infusion.
While these cookies are perfect for a relaxing afternoon, if you’re in the mood for something sweet and snackable, don’t miss Emily’s Muddy Buddies—a quick no-bake treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
And if baking is on your mind this week, try our Pumpkin Banana Loaf—moist, spiced, and full of cozy flavor in every slice.