A Sip of Tea in Every Bite
Transform your kitchen into a serene English garden with these delicate shortbread cookies. The classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread is elevated by infusing the butter with fragrant Earl Grey tea and a whisper of culinary lavender. Each bite is a moment of calm, a perfect harmony of familiar comfort and elegant flavor.
Prep Time
20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time
15-18 minutes
Servings
24 cookies
Cuisine: British | Diet: None | Skill Level: Intermediate | Cost: Affordable
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 teaspoon culinary-grade dried lavender
- 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
👨🍳 Chef’s Tips
- For a stronger flavor, finely grind the tea leaves and lavender in a spice grinder and add them directly to the flour instead of infusing the butter.
- Do not skip chilling the dough. It’s the most important step for achieving the classic shortbread texture and preventing spread.
- If the dough cracks while slicing, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
- For perfectly round cookies, re-roll the log on the counter just before slicing to smooth out any flat sides from chilling.
Preparation
- Step 1: Infuse the butter. In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the Earl Grey tea leaves and dried lavender. Let it steep on the lowest possible heat for 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t simmer or brown. The kitchen will fill with a beautiful, floral aroma. Remove from heat, let it steep for another 10 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the butter. Chill the infused butter in the refrigerator until it’s solid but still soft enough to scoop (about 30-45 minutes).
- Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened, infused butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. You’re whipping air into the base, which is key for a tender texture. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients. Beat in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing only until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
- Step 4: Shape and chill the dough. Form the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and twist the ends to secure. Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial; it solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking and deepening the flavor.
Cooking
- Step 1: Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Slice and bake. Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Step 3: Bake to perfection. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers will look pale and slightly soft. This is the sign of a perfect shortbread. They will firm up as they cool.
- Step 4: Cool completely. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Their delicate flavor is best when they are no longer warm.
Serving
Serve these cookies at room temperature. They are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea or coffee. Arrange them on a simple white plate to let their delicate, buttery appearance shine.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The flavor deepens after a day or two.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 7g |
An Elegant Finale
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply carving out a moment for yourself, these Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread cookies offer a touch of refined sweetness that soothes and satisfies. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-made, beautifully flavored cookie.
Tags: shortbread cookies, lavender recipe, Earl Grey tea, infused butter, elegant dessert
Hungry for more?
For more delicious northern recipes, check out our Melgund: Come Eat With Me Cookbook! Serving the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario. This digital literacy and food security program is supported by Art Borups Corners and Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.
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