The holiday season calls for special treats that bring comfort and joy. What better way to spread the festive cheer than with a batch of Earl Grey tea shortbread cookies? These buttery delights, infused with the subtle citrus notes of Earl Grey tea, offer a unique twist on a classic favourite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The Perfect Blend: Preparing Your Ingredients
Begin by combining the flour with the finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. The tea not only infuses the cookies with its distinctive flavour but also adds a lovely speckled appearance.
Creaming Together: Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture synonymous with shortbread.
Combining the Elements: Forming the Dough
Gradually mix the flour and tea blend into the butter and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Combine everything gently until the dough comes together. Be mindful not to overwork the dough to ensure the cookies stay tender.
Chilling Out: Resting the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period makes the dough easier to handle and helps in intensifying the flavours.
Shaping and Baking: Crafting the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and use cookie cutters to shape your cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown.
The Finishing Touch: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result? Buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies with a subtle hint of Earl Grey - a festive treat that’s sure to delight.
Conclusion:
These Earl Grey tea shortbread cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes too. Serve them up at your holiday gatherings, or package them for a thoughtful homemade gift. They're a sweet embodiment of the holiday spirit - warm, inviting, and full of flavour.
