If you have a soft spot for delicate, fragrant cookies that feel like a warm hug in every bite, then this Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Combining the subtle floral notes of dried lavender with the distinctive, citrusy richness of Earl Grey tea, these shortbreads bring a sophisticated yet comforting twist to a classic treat. Perfectly buttery with a tender crumb, they’re elegant enough for a special occasion but simple and cozy enough to enjoy with your afternoon tea any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Recipe is a joy because each one is straightforward yet plays a crucial role in building flavor and beautiful texture. From fragrant dried lavender to the rich buttery base, every component adds a touch of magic.
- Butter, 1 cup softened, salted (225 grams): The backbone of the cookie, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Icing sugar, ½ cup (60 grams): Adds sweetness with a fine texture that blends smoothly into the dough.
- Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons: Used to create the infused lavender Earl Grey sugar, intensifying flavor.
- Corn starch, ½ cup (68 grams): Gives the shortbread its signature crumbly, tender texture.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups (260 grams): The structure of the cookie, making it sturdy yet soft.
- Dried organic lavender buds, 1 tablespoon: Infuses a gentle floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the tea.
- Earl Grey tea, loose and finely powdered, 1 tablespoon: Brings a citrusy, bergamot tang that makes these cookies truly special.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Lends a warm, comforting depth to the dough.
Optional Icing Ingredients:
- Icing sugar, 1 cup (125 grams): For a sweet glaze that compliments the tea flavor.
- Cream or milk, 2 tablespoons: To achieve that perfect smooth consistency in the icing.
- Earl Grey tea, finely powdered, 1 teaspoon: Intensifies the tea notes in the glaze.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Balances the glaze with gentle warmth.
How to Make Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Create Your Lavender Earl Grey Sugar
This step sets the flavor foundation. Combine the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, finely ground Earl Grey tea, and dried lavender buds. Grind them together using a mortar and pestle, food processor, or blender until fragrant and well-mixed. Mixing in the powdered sugar afterward creates a fragrant, lightly tinted sugar ready to infuse your dough with those signature Earl Grey and lavender notes.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, cream your softened butter with the lavender Earl Grey sugar mixture until light and fluffy. This step ensures the vibrant flavors are evenly dispersed throughout the dough and gives your shortbread the perfect tender bite.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. These dry ingredients will bring that lovely crumbly texture we expect from a shortbread, balancing tenderness with just enough structure.
Step 4: Combine and Form Dough
Slowly add the flour and cornstarch mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. You’ll need to get hands-on here: mixing and kneading by hand to fully incorporate the butter into the flour until you form a soft, pliable dough ball. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, it’s perfectly fine to chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes to make handling easier.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about half an inch thick. Cut into your preferred shapes—classic rounds, rectangles, or even fun floral shapes to echo the lavender theme.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your cut dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) for 12 minutes. If you prefer a crisper, golden-brown cookie, bake a few minutes longer, but watch carefully to keep the delicate crumb intact.
Step 7: Cool and Ice
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the optional Earl Grey icing by whisking together icing sugar, cream or milk, vanilla extract, and finely powdered Earl Grey tea. Dip or drizzle this lovely glaze over your shortbread, then let them dry for up to an hour.
How to Serve Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra dried lavender buds or finely ground Earl Grey tea dusted lightly on top adds a finishing touch both in flavor and visual appeal. You can also add a few edible flowers directly onto the icing while it’s still wet for a charming, eye-catching presentation.
Side Dishes
This shortbread pairs splendidly with a chilled glass of milk, a cup of hot Earl Grey tea for an intensified flavor connection, or a lightly brewed lavender tea to elevate the floral notes. Serving it alongside fresh berries or a subtle lemon curd offers a playful contrast that brightens the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a stack of these charming cookies in parchment paper tied with twine and a small sprig of lavender for a thoughtful gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with loose tea leaves and fresh flowers for a tea party centerpiece that invites admiring murmurs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delightful crumb and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make them ahead for future indulgence, freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies separately. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and pop in a freezer bag. Cookies can last frozen up to 3 months without losing their delicate taste and texture.
Reheating
For a just-baked experience, warm your cookies gently in an oven preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for 3 to 5 minutes. This softens them slightly and refreshes the aromatic qualities of the lavender and Earl Grey.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this recipe?
Fresh lavender can be quite potent and moist, which may affect the texture of your shortbread. It’s best to stick with dried, culinary-grade lavender buds for the perfect floral note without extra moisture.
Is it necessary to powder the Earl Grey tea?
Yes, finely powdering the tea releases its essential oils and makes sure the flavor blends evenly in both the dough and icing, preventing any coarse bits in your cookies.
Can I substitute the cornstarch with something else?
Cornstarch is key to achieving that tender, crumbly shortbread texture. If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a suitable substitute in equal amounts.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Not always. If your dough is soft, chilling it for about 20 minutes will help it firm up and be easier to handle, but if it feels manageable, you can roll and cut straight away.
What’s the best way to grind the lavender and sugar mixture?
A mortar and pestle is ideal for gently releasing flavors without overheating the sugars. If using a blender or food processor, pulse briefly to avoid making a powdery mess.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with this Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Recipe. Its charming blend of floral and citrus notes enveloped in buttery, crumbly goodness makes it your perfect companion for tea time or any cozy moment. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for these cookies again and again!
“`
Print
Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread cookies combine the delicate floral notes of dried lavender with the distinctive bergamot flavor of Earl Grey tea to create a fragrant, buttery treat. Made with simple ingredients and a smooth Earl Grey icing, these cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or a special dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened (225 grams)
- ½ cup icing/powdered sugar (60 grams)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn starch (68 grams)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
- 1 tablespoon dried organic lavender buds
- 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea, loose fine powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Icing (Optional):
- 1 cup icing sugar (125 grams)
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon Earl Grey tea, loose fine powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the shortbread cookies evenly.
- Make Lavender Earl Grey Sugar: Combine granulated sugar, vanilla extract, Earl Grey tea, and dried lavender buds, grinding them together using a mortar and pestle, food processor, or blender until well mixed. Then, add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined to create the fragrant sugar base.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, cream the softened salted butter with the lavender Earl Grey sugar mixture until the texture is fluffy and well incorporated, ensuring the flavors meld into the butter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and corn starch. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar and mix by hand until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Prepare Dough for Baking: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately ½ inch thickness. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before rolling. Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cut dough onto cookie sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. For a crisper and lightly golden cookie, extend the baking time slightly but ensure they remain pale and crumbly.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Earl Grey Icing (Optional): In a medium bowl, combine icing sugar, Earl Grey tea powder, cream (or milk), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and runny; add a few drops of milk if thinning is needed.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip them into the icing or drizzle the icing over them. Let the icing dry for up to one hour at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- If your dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it to firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
- You can omit the icing for a more traditional shortbread texture and flavor.
- Use high-quality Earl Grey tea for the best flavor impact in both the dough and icing.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Chilling the dough is optional but recommended if your kitchen is warm or if the dough becomes too sticky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
