If you love delicate baked treats infused with subtle yet sophisticated flavors, then these Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats are simply going to steal your heart. Imagine biting into a luxuriously soft cookie that carries the bright, floral notes of Earl Grey tea, combined with just the right sweetness to make every mouthful irresistible. These cookies melt gently on your tongue, leaving behind a whisper of bergamot and vanilla that perfectly complements the tender crumb. Whether you’re afternoon tea-ing with friends or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats bring elegance and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies rely on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build that soft texture and iconic tea-infused flavor. The blend of dry ingredients ensures a tender crumb, while the wet ingredients provide richness and depth. The Earl Grey tea leaves are the magic touch, imbuing your cookies with their signature aromatic charm.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups / 187.5 g): This forms the base of your cookie, giving structure and a soft, tender bite.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon / 2 g): Helps your cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon / 2 g): Works alongside baking soda to add lightness and lift to your dough.
- Salt (½ teaspoon / 3 g): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup / 113.5 g, melted and cooled): Provides richness and moisture, melting into a tender crumb that’s simply heavenly.
- Earl Grey tea leaves (2 tablespoons / about 3 tea bags): The star of the show, these infuse your butter—and ultimately your cookies—with fragrant bergamot notes.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100 g): Gives sweetness and structure; part of it is also used for rolling for a subtle crunch.
- Light or dark brown sugar (¼ cup / 55 g, packed): Adds moisture and a delicate caramel undertone to the flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon / 4 g): Rounds out the flavors with warm sweetness.
- Egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients together and helps create that soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- Extra granulated sugar (4 tablespoons / 48 g) for rolling: Adds a fun, sweet exterior crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
How to Make Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats
Step 1: Infuse the Butter with Earl Grey
The secret to these Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats starts with transforming your butter into a fragrant infusion. Gently melt the butter with the Earl Grey tea leaves in a saucepan, allowing the warm fat to soak up the aromatic bergamot notes fully. If stovetop feels tricky, the microwave in short bursts works just as well. Cooling the infused butter is key before moving forward, so you preserve the perfect dough texture.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once your Earl Grey butter has cooled, whisk it together with the granulated and brown sugar until smoothly blended. Then stir in one room-temperature egg along with vanilla extract. These binders and flavor boosters enrich the dough, making it incredibly soft and flavorful without being overly sweet.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Marry With the Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, folding gently until you have a uniform dough. The key here is to avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and delicate.
Step 4: Chill the Dough for Perfect Cookies
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to two days. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in cookies that bake up soft and evenly. For an extra-handling tip, scoop your dough into balls before chilling. This way, you just roll in sugar and bake straight from the fridge—easy and fuss-free!
Step 5: Roll, Bake, and Enjoy
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll cookie dough balls generously in granulated sugar, place them spaced apart on the trays, and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. After a brief rest on the baking sheet, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies come out soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfectly tea-infused—pure cookie bliss!
How to Serve Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but if you want to add a little something extra, dusting with superfine sugar or a light sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest complements the bergamot beautifully. You could also dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate and let it set for a classy, sweet finish that elevates presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
The gentle flavor of these Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea—especially a classic Earl Grey or a citrusy green tea. For a decadent touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream makes for an irresistible dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider arranging these cookies on a tiered cake stand alongside petite sandwiches or lemon bars for an elegant tea party vibe. Wrapping a few up in parchment with a sprig of dried lavender tied with twine also makes a charming homemade gift that anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain their delicate softness, adding a slice of bread or an apple wedge to the container helps keep moisture balanced and cookies tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking by lining them on a tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well wrapped tightly and stored in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked softness, warm cookies gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for about 5 minutes. This little step revives the melt-in-your-mouth magic beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaves?
Absolutely! Simply open the tea bags and use the contents as you would loose leaves. Just be sure to remove any paper or staple before infusing the butter for a pure flavor.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use all white sugar?
While brown sugar adds a subtle molasses note and extra moisture for softness, you can substitute with all granulated sugar. Your cookies might be slightly less tender but still delicious and full of that lovely Earl Grey flavor.
Can I bake these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, but use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. This helps mimic the texture and ensures your Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats stay soft and tender.
How important is it to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling is quite crucial. It helps the flavors develop and prevents cookies from spreading too much, keeping them perfectly soft and thick. If you’re pressed for time, even 30 minutes of chilling will make a noticeable difference.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! For a twist, try adding a hint of lemon zest, chopped candied ginger, or even white chocolate chips. Just keep additions light to preserve the delicate Earl Grey flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats that make every bite feel like a cozy escape. Their subtle yet aromatic flavor and tender texture make them perfect for sharing or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon. Next time you want a cookie that’s not just sweet but also sophisticated, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly these little tea-infused wonders become your new favorite comfort food.
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Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies – Tea-Infused Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
- Total Time: 49 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are incredibly tender and melt in your mouth, infused with the fragrant and unique flavor of Earl Grey tea. The dough comes together quickly and is perfect for those who want a delicate, aromatic cookie with a classic sugar coating.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) table salt or fine sea salt
Wet ingredients:
- ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) Earl Grey tea leaves (about 3 tea bags)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55 g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) vanilla extract or paste
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For rolling:
- 4 tablespoons (48 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Infuse Butter with Earl Grey: Add ½ cup unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves into a saucepan and heat gently until the butter melts, allowing the tea leaves to infuse their flavor. Alternatively, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals. Once melted, allow the mixture to fully cool before proceeding.
- Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled Earl Grey-infused butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar. Use a silicone spatula to mix until the sugars are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate one room temperature egg and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste into the sugar-butter mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no dry spots remain and the dough is fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes or up to 2 days. For easier handling during longer chills, pre-scoop dough into balls, line them on a parchment-lined tray, then chill.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Shape and Roll Cookies: Pour 4 tablespoons granulated sugar into a small bowl or plate. Using a cookie scoop (2-3 tablespoons capacity), scoop dough and roll each ball thoroughly in the granulated sugar. Place the sugared dough balls on the baking trays, spacing them about 3-4 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes until the edges begin to turn a slight golden brown and the cookies are set. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Plating Tip: For perfectly round cookies, place a large circular cutter or mug on top of a warm freshly baked cookie and gently move it in a circular motion to smooth out the shape. This step is purely for aesthetics.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate ingredient measurements to ensure consistent results.
- When measuring flour by volume, spoon it gently into your measuring cup and level it for best accuracy.
- Longer chilling times improve dough handling and flavor development; pre-scoop dough balls to make the process easier.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft and slightly golden at the edges.
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