Ever wondered what happens when your favorite afternoon tea meets a buttery, chewy cookie? Say hello to Earl Grey Cookies—the answer to your cozy cravings and the hero of your next coffee break. With just the right hint of bergamot from the tea leaves and a warm, sweet bite that melts in your mouth, these cookies are a delicious blend of calm and comfort.
Whether you’re juggling Zoom calls, carpool duty, or just trying to make it to 3 p.m. without another cup of caffeine, this recipe is for you. It’s simple, sophisticated, and filled with flavor—no fancy equipment or pastry degree required. Just a mixing bowl, a few pantry staples, and a little time (plus a good playlist never hurts).
Why You’ll Love These Earl Grey Cookies
Let’s be honest—some days, you want a dessert that’s low-maintenance but still makes you feel like you have your life together. These Earl Grey Cookies check all the boxes:
- Infused with real Earl Grey tea, not just flavoring. That subtle, citrusy edge? Chef’s kiss.
- Crisp on the edges, soft in the center—the holy grail of cookie textures.
- They’re perfect for tea parties, lunchbox surprises, or midnight snacks (no judgment here).
- You probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen. No trip to that specialty store with the $14 lavender extract required.
Ingredients at a Glance
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these beauties to life:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (about 3 tea bags)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or paste
- 1 egg, room temperature
For Rolling:
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
How to Make Earl Grey Cookies
Step 1: Infuse That Butter
Melt the butter with the Earl Grey tea leaves—either in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave (15-second intervals). Let it cool completely. This is where the magic starts, trust me.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the tea-infused butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Toss in your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything’s just incorporated and there are no dry patches.
Step 4: Chill Out
Cover the dough and let it chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes (or up to 2 days if you’re a planner). Pro tip: Pre-scoop the dough into balls before chilling—your wrists will thank you later.
Step 5: Roll & Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F and line baking trays with parchment. Roll your dough balls in the extra sugar and place them about 3-4 inches apart on the tray.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional (but adorable): Use a large circular cookie cutter or mug to “scoot” your warm cookies into perfect rounds.
Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- No food processor? No problem. Just crush your tea leaves gently with a rolling pin if they’re too large.
- Want an extra boost? Add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a brighter citrus note.
- Prefer crispier cookies? Bake for an extra minute or two and let them cool fully on the tray.
- These also freeze beautifully. Store pre-rolled dough balls in the freezer and bake straight from frozen—just add 1-2 minutes to your bake time.
Tips for the Best Earl Grey Cookies
- For an extra protein boost, try incorporating protein powder into the dough (How to Add Protein Powder to a Cookie Recipe).
- Want a richer flavor? Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the mix.
- Serve alongside a refreshing Moroccan Mint Tea for a well-balanced tea-time experience.
A Little Story Behind These Cookies
These cookies were actually inspired by a tea party I threw for my niece’s fifth birthday. She asked for “princess cookies,” and while I originally had visions of pink frosting and edible glitter, I ended up baking these instead. The grownups went wild for them (we may have hidden the last few behind the kettle), and they’ve become a family favorite ever since.
FAQs About Earl Grey Cookies
Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaf?
Absolutely! Just snip them open and measure out the tea—about three regular-sized bags will do the trick.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days—or freeze for longer. They reheat like a dream.
Can I use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter?
Yes, just make sure to use refined coconut oil (so the flavor doesn’t overpower the tea) and adjust the chilling time as needed.
So next time you’re looking for a moment of calm in your chaos, a sweet treat for your book club, or just something different than the usual chocolate chip—these Earl Grey Cookies are ready for their spotlight.
Steep, scoop, and savor every bite. 💛