Description
Soft, buttery Earl Grey Sugar Cookies infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea and bright citrus zest, offering a perfect balance of delicate floral notes and refreshing orange flavor. Ideal for tea time, gifting, or any cozy occasion, these tender cookies feature a unique aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture that delight all palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (plant-based), softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (natural)
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves (natural)
Instructions
- Infuse the butter with tea: Gently cream the softened unsalted butter (plant-based) until soft and fluffy. Add the finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves (natural) and continue mixing to infuse the fragrant tea throughout the butter, forming a flavorful base for the cookie dough.
- Combine sugars and eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter-tea mixture, beating until smooth and well incorporated. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract (natural) for moisture and rich flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the fresh orange zest (natural) to evenly distribute the citrus aroma throughout the dough.
- Blend wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender and soft cookies.
- Chill and shape the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Once firm, roll the dough into small balls and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake to perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea leaves for the best flavor.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor melding.
- Only use the vibrant outer peel of the orange for zest to avoid bitterness.
- Spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid dense cookies.
- Watch baking time closely to maintain a soft center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Earl Grey sugar cookies, tea cookies, citrus zest cookies, soft cookies, gluten-free cookies, plant-based butter cookies, elegant dessert
