Hey friend 👋 — if you’re the kind of person who loves curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, these Earl Grey cookies are about to become your new favorite bake. They’re buttery, lightly sweet, and infused with Earl Grey tea leaves so every bite has that subtle citrusy, bergamot flavor that makes this tea so special.
I’ll walk you through step by step, like we’re baking together in the same kitchen. Ready? Let’s do this.
Why You’ll Love These Earl Grey Cookies
Here’s the thing: these cookies aren’t just delicious, they’re a little bit magical.
- Elegant but easy: They look fancy but the recipe is beginner-friendly.
- The perfect pairing: Tea lovers, you finally have the cookie to match your Earl Grey.
- Customizable: Glaze them, dip them in chocolate, or keep them simple — they’re versatile.
- Share-worthy: They’re Insta-ready with those pretty speckled tea leaves and shiny glaze.
Think of them as the cookie version of a London Fog latte ☕✨.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Double-check your pantry before you start:
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from 2–3 tea bags)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Vanilla Glaze (optional but recommended):
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or Earl Grey–infused milk)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Grind the Tea
Open your tea bags and grind the leaves to a fine powder. This helps the flavor spread evenly throughout the dough.
👉 Don’t skip this part — it makes the texture smoother and the flavor stronger.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Whisk together the flour, ground tea, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and egg yolk, then add the dry ingredients until the dough comes together.
You’ll see those pretty tea speckles right away!
Step 3: Chill It
Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches wide, wrap it in parchment, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 4: Slice & Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just golden. Your kitchen will smell like a tea shop.
Step 5: Glaze & Enjoy
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Make yourself a cup of Earl Grey, grab a book, and enjoy your masterpiece.
Tips & Variations
- Citrus twist: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Floral vibes: A pinch of lavender turns these into “London Fog Cookies.”
- Chocolate lovers: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate.
- Make-ahead friendly: The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How to Store Earl Grey Cookies
- Room temperature: In an airtight container for 4–5 days.
- Fridge: Up to 7 days (keeps them extra fresh).
- Freezer: Up to 2 months. Freeze baked cookies or raw dough logs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to grind the tea leaves?
Yes — grinding helps release the Earl Grey flavor evenly. Otherwise, the texture can feel gritty.
Can I use another type of tea?
Absolutely! Try chai for a spicier cookie, or green tea for a lighter flavor.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes. Swap butter for vegan butter and use a flax egg yolk substitute. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
Do these cookies taste sweet?
They’re mildly sweet, more like a shortbread than a sugar cookie. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
These Earl Grey cookies with vanilla glaze aren’t just cookies — they’re a whole mood. Perfect for cozy afternoons, tea parties, or impressing friends with something a little different.
So go ahead: brew some tea, bake these cookies, and make an afternoon out of it. And when you do, let me know — would you pair them with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate? I’d love to hear your take.
Happy baking, friend 🍪💕.