Cream Earl Grey, with its delightful blend of black tea, bergamot oil, and hints of vanilla, offers a smoother and creamier flavor compared to standard Earl Grey. This unique tea can be transformed into an equally unique baked treat – Cream Earl Grey cookies. These cookies are perfect for tea lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike, combining the aromatic essence of the tea with a buttery, crumbly texture. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Cream Earl Grey cookies special and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them at home.
What Makes Cream Earl Grey Cookies Special?
Cream Earl Grey cookies stand out due to their rich, creamy undertones that complement the classic citrusy notes of bergamot. The addition of vanilla in Cream Earl Grey adds a layer of depth to the flavor profile, creating a cookie that is both sophisticated and comforting. These cookies are ideal for pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cream Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (for a citrusy twist)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tea Leaves
Start by grinding the Cream Earl Grey tea leaves to a fine consistency. You can use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle for this. The finer the tea leaves, the more evenly they will distribute throughout the cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground Cream Earl Grey tea leaves, and salt. This ensures that the tea flavor is evenly incorporated into the cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to slice and bake.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the dough logs and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can quickly become too crisp.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your homemade Cream Earl Grey cookies with a cup of your favorite tea.
Experiment and Personalize
Cream Earl Grey cookies are wonderfully versatile. You can experiment by adding different flavors, such as a hint of lavender or a drizzle of lemon glaze on top. These small changes can elevate your cookies and make them uniquely yours.
A Treat Worth Sharing
Cream Earl Grey cookies make a fantastic gift for friends and family, or a delightful treat to enjoy any time of the day. Their delicate flavor and crumbly texture are sure to impress and satisfy.
Ready to Bake Your Batch?
Now that you know how to make Cream Earl Grey cookies using Cream earl grey loose leaf tea, it's time to gather your ingredients and get baking. Share your creations on social media and tag us – we’d love to see your delicious results!