Description
Earl Grey Sugar Cookies offer a cozy and elegant treat combining the fragrant floral notes of bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic sugar cookies. Perfect for tea time or gifting, these cookies are simple to make with plant-based ingredients and customizable with citrus zest, glaze, or herbal infusions for a delightful twist on a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp natural baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients and Flavorings
- 3/4 cup plant-based butter
- 2 tbsp loose Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Infuse the Butter: Gently warm the plant-based butter with the loose Earl Grey tea leaves just enough to allow the butter to absorb the fragrant bergamot essence. Let the mixture cool slightly and strain out the tea leaves, leaving behind the delicate tea flavor.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the infused butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the natural vanilla extract, then alternately add the dry ingredients and almond milk, mixing gently until the dough forms without overworking.
- Add Zest and Chill: Fold in the fresh lemon zest to brighten the citrus notes. Cover the dough with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to make the dough easier to roll out.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into your desired shapes or classic rounds. Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow slight spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. The cookies will be soft but set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use loose leaf Earl Grey tea for a more intense flavor than tea bags.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Use fresh, unwaxed lemons for the best zest flavor and to avoid bitterness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Earl Grey Sugar Cookies, Vegan Sugar Cookies, Tea Infused Cookies, Plant-Based Cookies, Citrus Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, Bergamot Cookies
