Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, Fragrant, and Perfect

At Eminent Recipes, every dish tells a story of comfort, simplicity, and love for homemade food. These Earl Grey shortbread cookies reflect that philosophy perfectly—simple ingredients, easy steps, and elegant flavor. Inspired by cozy afternoons and shared tea moments, this recipe transforms everyday pantry staples into buttery, fragrant Earl Grey shortbread cookies that feel special without being complicated, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced home bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are everything Eminent Recipes stands for—simple, comforting, and made to fit real life. This recipe is quick and easy, requiring minimal prep and basic pantry ingredients, yet it delivers rich, bakery-style flavor. The buttery texture combined with fragrant Earl Grey tea creates shortbread tea cookies that feel elegant without being fussy.

You’ll love how customizable this shortbread cookie recipe is. Add lavender for Earl Grey lavender shortbread cookies, keep it classic like an Earl Grey shortbread BBC–style bake, or adapt it into vegan Earl Grey shortbread cookies using plant-based butter. The dough comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or special occasions.

These easy Earl Grey shortbread cookies bake evenly, slice cleanly, and store beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or meal prep-style baking. If you enjoy tea-infused desserts like chai cookies or matcha shortbread cookies, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. With balanced flavor, foolproof steps, and consistent results, these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are a timeless treat you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The ingredients for these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies are simple, carefully balanced, and chosen to highlight the delicate tea flavor while maintaining a classic shortbread texture. High-quality unsalted butter is the foundation of this shortbread cookie recipe, providing richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Powdered sugar blends smoothly into the dough, creating a soft, refined sweetness that complements the bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea.

Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves are essential, infusing the dough evenly and giving these easy Earl Grey shortbread cookies their signature aroma and taste. All-purpose flour provides structure without heaviness, while a touch of salt enhances both the butter and tea flavors. Vanilla extract rounds out the profile, adding warmth and depth. Optional additions like lemon zest or lavender allow you to customize these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies into elegant variations while keeping the recipe approachable and versatile.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes about 20–24 cookies):

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (from 2–3 tea bags), finely ground
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender

How to Make This Recipe

Making these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies is simple, methodical, and perfect for bakers of any skill level. The process focuses on gently combining ingredients to preserve the tender, buttery texture that defines a classic shortbread cookie recipe. Creaming the butter and sugar properly ensures a smooth dough, while finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves evenly distribute flavor throughout the cookies. Chilling the dough is key—it helps the easy Earl Grey shortbread cookies hold their shape and develop a clean slice before baking. Baking at the right temperature allows the cookies to set without browning too much, preserving their delicate crumb and refined tea aroma. This step-by-step method guarantees consistent results and bakery-quality Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies every time.

🛒 Steps:

• Cream softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy for a classic shortbread base
• Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves to infuse tea flavor evenly
• Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing just until a soft shortbread dough forms
• Shape the dough into a log, wrap tightly, and chill to firm up for easy slicing
• Slice dough into even rounds for uniform Earl Grey shortbread cookies
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) until edges are lightly golden and centers are set
• Cool completely to allow the shortbread cookie texture to fully develop

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfecting Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies comes down to technique and ingredient handling. Using high-quality butter at the correct softness ensures a smooth, cohesive dough and prevents spreading during baking. Finely grinding the Earl Grey tea leaves is essential for even infusion, allowing the bergamot flavor to shine without bitterness. Proper chilling helps these easy Earl Grey shortbread cookies keep their shape and achieve the signature tender crumb of a classic shortbread cookie recipe. Baking just until set preserves the light color and delicate texture, giving you refined, bakery-style Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies with consistent results.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Use high-fat unsalted butter for rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies
• Grind Earl Grey tea leaves very finely for smooth texture and balanced tea flavor
• Chill the shortbread dough to prevent spreading and ensure clean cookie slices
• Bake until lightly golden on the edges to maintain a tender shortbread cookie crumb
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness and aroma
• Customize with lemon zest or lavender for Earl Grey lavender shortbread cookies
• Swap plant-based butter for vegan Earl Grey shortbread cookies without sacrificing texture

FAQs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

Best Banana Nut Cake Recipe for Breakfast or Dessert

Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake – Easy, Gluten-Free, and Decadent

Strawberry Peach Dump Cake Recipe – Quick & Easy Dessert

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – Quick, Easy, and Family-Friendly

Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

---

• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicate, buttery shortbread cookies infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea. These elegant tea cookies have a subtle citrus note from bergamot, making them perfect for afternoon tea, holidays, or gifting. Crisp on the edges and tender in the center, they pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Makes about 20–24 cookies):

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (from 2–3 tea bags), finely ground

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for extra citrus)

• 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (for Earl Grey lavender shortbread cookies)

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract. Add the finely ground Earl Grey tea and salt.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Chill & Shape
Shape the dough into a log (about 2 inches thick), wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm.

Step 4: Slice & Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on the baking sheet.

 

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

• Easy Version: Skip chilling and press dough into a pan, then cut after baking.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter for vegan Earl Grey shortbread cookies.
• Flavor Variations: Try chai cookies or matcha shortbread cookies using the same base recipe.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Cookies
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: British-inspired / American