If you’re anything like me, your tea cabinet is more like a tea situation. And somewhere between the green teas and chai blends, you’ve got that classic, beautifully aromatic Earl Grey. Well, what if I told you that same fragrant tea could be the star of your next favorite cookie? These Earl Grey cookies are buttery, delicate, and infused with the subtle citrusy charm of bergamot—perfect for teatime or anytime you want to bake something a little special.
Thank you for stopping by to share this moment of baking magic with me. Before we dive in, don’t forget—you can subscribe to get this Earl Grey cookie recipe sent right to your inbox, along with other cozy, craveable treats. I love keeping you inspired in the kitchen!
What Are Earl Grey Cookies?
These are slice-and-bake shortbread-style cookies made with finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves mixed right into the dough. They’re tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and carry a sophisticated floral-citrus note from the bergamot in the tea. Think of them as the tea lover’s answer to sugar cookies, but far more elegant.
Reasons to Love These Earl Grey Cookies
- They’re unique: A cookie that tastes like your favorite cup of tea? Yes please!
- Minimal ingredients: Pantry staples plus tea—super accessible.
- Make-ahead friendly: Dough can chill overnight or even be frozen.
- Perfect for gifting: Pretty, packable, and just unexpected enough to impress.
- Versatile: Add citrus zest, glaze, or even dip in white chocolate for extra flair.
What Do Earl Grey Cookies Taste Like?
The flavor is subtle but memorable—imagine the soft floral notes of Earl Grey mingling with creamy butter and just a touch of sweetness. It’s warm, comforting, and delightfully refined. These cookies don’t scream for attention—they whisper elegance.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Easy to customize with lemon, orange, or lavender.
- No fancy tools needed, just a food processor or blender to grind the tea.
- Kid-friendly to make, grown-up enough to serve at a shower or brunch.
- Naturally egg-free, making it a nice option for certain dietary needs.
The History and Magic of Earl Grey Tea
Before we devour the cookies, let’s take a moment to appreciate the tea that inspired them. Earl Grey tea is more than just a pantry staple—it’s steeped (pun fully intended!) in tradition, elegance, and a bit of mystery.
Named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s, the tea was originally a diplomatic gift. Legend says a Chinese mandarin blended black tea with bergamot oil to offset the lime-rich water at Grey’s estate. He fell in love with the blend, and the rest is fragrant history. Whether or not this origin tale is 100% true, one thing is for sure: Earl Grey tea has become a global favorite, known for its distinctive aroma and smooth, slightly floral flavor.
What makes Earl Grey so unique is the bergamot—a citrus fruit that’s sort of a cross between an orange and a lime. Its essential oil gives the tea its instantly recognizable scent and flavor. That’s the same note that shines in our cookies—delicate but memorable.
Baking with Earl Grey transforms it from a cozy beverage into a flavor powerhouse. When the heat of the oven activates the bergamot in the ground tea leaves, your kitchen smells like a European tearoom—an experience all on its own.
So the next time you sip a cup or nibble on a cookie, you’re not just enjoying a treat—you’re tasting a bit of old-world charm, beautifully reimagined.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely ground Earl Grey tea (from about 3 tea bags)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange (for a citrus boost)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor or spice grinder (to grind tea leaves)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Sharp knife (for slicing)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- No Earl Grey? Try another black tea, like Lady Grey or even a floral blend like lavender-black.
- Add citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Glaze them! Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for a simple citrus glaze.
- Dip in chocolate: A half dip in melted white or dark chocolate adds a lovely contrast.
How to Make Earl Grey Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Tea
Grind the Earl Grey tea leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder, blender, or food processor. This helps the tea fully infuse the dough without leaving big bits behind.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and the ground tea. Add the cubed butter and vanilla extract. Use a mixer (or clean hands) to blend until the dough just comes together—it’ll be soft and buttery.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Divide the dough in half and shape into logs about 1½ inches thick. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days). This step is essential for clean slices and perfect texture.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. Slice cookies about ¼ inch thick and place on the sheet with a little space between. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until just set and the edges are barely golden.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll crisp up slightly as they cool—perfect shortbread texture!
What to Serve with Earl Grey Cookies
- A hot cup of—you guessed it—Earl Grey tea! (Or coffee, if that’s your jam.)
- Pair with lemon curd or clotted cream for a fancy afternoon tea vibe.
- Fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert platter.
- They’re also gorgeous on holiday cookie trays or brunch boards.
How to Host a Tea Party Featuring Earl Grey Cookies
These cookies are elegant little things—and they love a spotlight. Hosting a tea party with Earl Grey cookies as the centerpiece? Absolutely dreamy. Here’s how to pull it off, whether it’s for a bridal shower, book club, or just a quiet Saturday with friends.
1. The Tea
Start with a mix of classic teas to suit every palate:
- Earl Grey (obviously!)
- Chamomile or mint for caffeine-free options
- A green or oolong for variety
Offer sugar cubes, honey, milk, and lemon slices so guests can personalize their cups.
2. The Sweets
Alongside the Earl Grey cookies, add:
- Mini scones with clotted cream and jam
- Lemon bars
- Macarons or tea cakes
The citrusy notes in the cookies pair wonderfully with lemon and berry flavors, so stick to that theme!
3. Savory Touches
Balance out the sweetness with finger sandwiches and light savories:
- Cucumber and cream cheese
- Egg salad on mini croissants
- Smoked salmon with dill
4. Decor & Vibes
Fresh flowers, mismatched teacups, and a linen tablecloth go a long way. Create a relaxed setting that feels both vintage and cozy.
5. The Showstopper
Plate the Earl Grey cookies on a tiered stand or vintage platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or add a light citrus glaze for sparkle.
You’ll be surprised how many guests ask, “What are these cookies?!”—and you’ll be so ready to share the recipe.
Tips for Perfect Earl Grey Cookies
- Don’t overmix: Stop mixing once the dough comes together to keep that tender texture.
- Use cold butter: It helps with the crumbly, shortbread-like feel.
- Slice with a sharp knife: For clean edges and uniform baking.
- Add citrus zest if you want a more pronounced flavor. Lemon and Earl Grey are a match made in cookie heaven!
How to Store These Cookies
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze dough: Wrap logs tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
- Freeze baked cookies: Let them cool completely, then store in layers with parchment between them in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for best results.
What if I don’t have a spice grinder?
You can crush the tea leaves using a mortar and pestle or blend with a bit of the sugar in a food processor.
Can I use salted butter?
Sure! Just omit the extra salt from the recipe and adjust to taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer. Great for prep-ahead baking!
Creative Variations: Taking Your Earl Grey Cookies to the Next Level
Once you fall in love with the base Earl Grey cookie (and you will), it’s only natural to start imagining fun twists. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Here are some ways to dress them up and make them your own:
1. Glazed Lemon Earl Grey Cookies
Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for a simple glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies. It adds a zingy brightness that complements the tea beautifully.
2. Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread
Add ½ teaspoon dried culinary lavender along with the ground tea. It’s a gentle floral combo that feels fancy without being fussy—perfect for weddings or springtime showers.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Earl Grey
Once cookies have cooled, dip half of each one in melted white or dark chocolate. Let set on parchment. The richness of chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the tea’s citrus notes.
4. Earl Grey + Honey Twist
Swap half the sugar for honey, and reduce flour slightly to compensate for the moisture. You’ll get a softer, slightly chewier cookie with warm honey undertones.
5. Earl Grey Thumbprints
Form dough balls, press your thumb in the center, and fill with lemon curd or raspberry jam before baking. Now we’re talking tea party showstopper!
Experimenting with these variations is such a joy—each one has a slightly different personality, but they all keep that beautiful bergamot heart. Trust your taste buds and get playful in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Make These Again (and Again!)
These Earl Grey cookies are a little bit unexpected, incredibly easy, and just the right amount of indulgent. They’re proof that elegance and comfort can live side by side in a simple cookie. Whether you’re serving these for company or sneaking one with your morning tea (guilty!), they hit the spot every single time.
More recipes for tea lovers? Try:
- Lemon Lavender Shortbread
- Almond Biscotti
- Orange Cardamom Sugar Cookies
Share the Love
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it!
📌 Pin it to Pinterest and don’t forget to leave a review or tag me in your photos—I can’t wait to see your cookie magic!
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
(Please note, these are approximate values and can vary based on ingredients used.)