Infusing tea into your holiday cookies can infuse a delightful and distinctive character into your time-honored cookie repertoire. Try this exceptional recipe for Earl Grey Tea Cookies, where the subtle, fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea harmoniously meld with the essence of a classic shortbread cookie, creating an exquisite blend of flavors that capture the spirit of the season.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons River City Grey tea leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a food processor, combine the Earl Grey tea leaves and 1/2 cup of the flour. Pulse until the tea leaves are finely ground. This will infuse the cookies with the tea flavor.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour and the salt.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until the dough comes together.
-
Finally, add the Earl Grey tea-infused flour to the dough and mix until it's well combined. You can do this by hand or with your food processor, but be careful not to overmix.
-
Roll the dough into a 1-inch thick log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and cut into cookies.
-
After the dough has chilled, slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
-
Place the cookie rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Earl Grey Tea Cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea during the holiday season. They have a delicate tea flavor and a buttery, crumbly texture that's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy your tea-infused holiday cookies!