Lavender Earl Grey Cookies are a sophisticated treat that combines the floral aroma of lavender with the bold, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. These buttery, crumbly cookies are perfect for pairing with your afternoon tea or as a unique addition to your dessert spread. Elegant and aromatic, they make any occasion feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The blend of lavender and Earl Grey tea is both refreshing and indulgent.
- Perfect with Tea: These cookies are a delightful pairing with your favorite hot beverage.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal ingredients make these cookies beginner-friendly.
- Elegant Gift: Wrapped in a pretty box, they make a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Dried culinary lavender
- Earl Grey tea leaves (from 1-2 tea bags)
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting or a drizzle of lemon glaze.
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix Lavender and Tea:
- In a food processor or bowl, combine the sugar, dried lavender, and Earl Grey tea leaves. Pulse or mix until finely ground and aromatic.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the lavender-sugar mixture until light and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together. If the dough feels crumbly, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or water to help it bind.
- Chill the Dough:
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter (round or any desired shape) to cut out cookies. Re-roll scraps and repeat.
- Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze or Dusting:
- Lemon Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar with a few drops of lemon juice and water to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
- Powdered Sugar:
- Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20-24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for added sweetness.
- Honey Sweetened: Replace some of the sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Herb Blend: Mix in a pinch of rosemary or thyme for a unique herbal touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking or serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh lavender?
Yes, but fresh lavender has a stronger flavor. Use half the amount specified in the recipe and chop it finely.
2. What type of Earl Grey tea works best?
Loose-leaf tea or high-quality tea bags with visible tea leaves provide the best flavor.
3. How do I ensure the cookies don’t spread?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and avoid overworking it.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should remain pale.
6. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
7. How do I grind lavender if I don’t have a food processor?
Use a mortar and pestle or chop the lavender finely with a sharp knife.
8. Can I omit the lavender?
Yes, the cookies will still taste delicious with just Earl Grey tea and vanilla.
9. How do I make the dough easier to roll out?
Let the chilled dough rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before rolling.
10. Can I use other teas?
Absolutely! Chamomile, chai, or green tea are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Lavender Earl Grey Cookies are an elegant and flavorful treat that’s perfect for tea time or special occasions. With their buttery texture and aromatic blend of lavender and tea, these cookies are a delightful departure from traditional desserts. Try them today and enjoy the sophisticated flavors of this unique recipe!
Lavender Earl Grey Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24–28 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Description
These delicate and buttery lavender Earl Grey cookies are infused with floral and citrusy flavors. Perfect for tea time or as a unique treat, they melt in your mouth and pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags)
- 1/2 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely ground
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Earl Grey tea leaves, ground lavender, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine the Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shape and Chill:
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Slice and Bake:
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the cookies as-is or with a cup of tea. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use culinary lavender for the best flavor; regular lavender may be too strong or bitter.
- To grind lavender, use a spice grinder or crush it finely with a mortar and pestle.
- These cookies freeze well! Freeze the logs of dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.