1. Can I use regular tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea?

Absolutely! If you don’t have loose-leaf tea, you can use Earl Grey tea bags. Just cut open the bag and use the leaves inside. The key is to use high-quality tea , as it makes a big difference in flavor. Just make sure to use about 1–2 tea bags for the right amount.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! To make these cookies gluten-free, just swap the regular flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend . Make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum, as this will help with texture. The flavor and texture should still be spot-on!

3. How can I make the cookies more or less sweet?

If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add a bit more sugar to the dough. If you want them a bit less sweet, cut back on the sugar by a tablespoon or so. I find that the balance of tea and sugar is perfect, but it’s always fun to adjust according to personal taste!

4. How do I get the perfect crackly top on these cookies?

A few things to remember: Chill your dough, don’t overmix, and be careful not to overbake them. The crackly top comes from the dough setting in the oven. It needs to bake long enough to form those cracks, but not so long that the cookies get hard. Watch them closely toward the end of baking!

Earl Grey Cookies: The Perfect Blend of Tea and Sweetness

Name: Earl Grey Cookies with a Delicate Citrus Twist
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: British-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea (from about 4 tea bags); ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest for extra brightness; Granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

Description

These buttery Earl Grey Cookies are infused with the floral-citrus flavor of Earl Grey tea and finished with a light dusting of sugar. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or as an elegant treat for any occasion. Crisp, flavorful, and super simple to make!

Ingredients

SCALE

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea (from about 4 tea bags)
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest for extra brightness
Granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground tea, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
Add vanilla extract (and orange zest, if using), then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two logs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds.
Roll edges in granulated sugar if desired, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

You can freeze the cookie dough logs and slice them straight from the freezer when ready to bake.
Want a stronger Earl Grey flavor? Steep the tea in melted butter, then chill and cream as usual.
Yep, there’s a bit of caffeine in Earl Grey, though it’s not super high here’s a breakdown if you’re curious.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 40mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Earl Grey cookies, tea cookies, shortbread with tea, bergamot cookies