Name: Soft Earl Grey Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda; ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder; ½ teaspoon (3 g) table salt or fine sea salt; ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 2 tablespoons (10 g) Earl Grey tea leaves (about 3 tea bags); ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (55 g) light or dark brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon (4 g) vanilla extract or paste; 1 large egg, room temperature; 4 tablespoons (48 g) granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These soft Earl Grey sugar cookies bring a fragrant twist to a classic treat. Infused with fragrant tea leaves and baked to tender perfection, they offer a delicate, aromatic flavor that’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

The image shows three round cookies with a light golden color and small black specks scattered evenly throughout the dough. The cookies have a soft, slightly crinkled texture on the surface, with one cookie showing a bitten edge revealing a chewy inside with more black specks. They are placed on a white crumpled parchment paper over a light wooden board, with part of a metallic cooling rack visible in the background. Small cookie crumbs are scattered around, adding to the fresh-baked feel. The overall scene is bright and simple. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
½ teaspoon (3 g) table salt or fine sea salt
½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons (10 g) Earl Grey tea leaves (about 3 tea bags)
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (55 g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon (4 g) vanilla extract or paste
1 egg, room temperature
4 tablespoons (48 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and Earl Grey tea leaves. Heat gently until the butter melts. Alternatively, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals. Allow the butter to cool completely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the cooled Earl Grey-infused butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined using a silicone spatula.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar and butter mixture. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—into the wet mixture. Mix until no dry spots remain.
Step 5: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes, or up to 2 days. For easier handling, you may pre-scoop the dough into balls before chilling.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Step 7: Pour the granulated sugar for rolling into a small bowl. Scoop 2 to 3 tablespoons of dough, roll each ball in the sugar, and place on the prepared baking trays, spacing them 3–4 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and set. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: (Optional) To achieve perfectly round cookies, gently move a large circular cutter or mug on top of the warm cookies in a circular motion.

Tips & Variations

Measure ingredients using a kitchen scale for the best accuracy and consistent results.
Pre-scooping cookie dough before chilling makes handling easier and speeds up baking time.
Try using different types of tea leaves, like lavender or chamomile, for a unique flavor twist.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled cookies or cookie dough balls in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Bake dough balls from frozen, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time. To reheat frozen baked cookies, thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes or warm in the microwave in 10-second intervals.

How to Serve

The image shows six round, flat cookies with a slightly cracked surface, lying on white parchment paper over a white marbled texture. Each cookie has a light golden brown color with tiny dark specks scattered throughout, giving them a textured look. The cookies have a soft, slightly crinkled top layer that hints at a chewy inside. One cookie is placed on a silver wire cooling rack on the right side. A white towel is partially visible underneath the cooling rack, adding a soft texture to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-ground Earl Grey tea instead of loose leaves?

Yes, you can substitute with pre-ground Earl Grey tea, but avoid using tea bags with fillers as they may affect texture. Adjust the amount to match the intensity of flavor you prefer.

Why should I chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies bake evenly without spreading too much. It also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together.