Lavender Earl Grey Cookies

Lavender Earl Grey Cookies are the perfect blend of floral and citrus flavors, offering a delightful twist to your traditional cookie recipes. These cookies are buttery, fragrant, and irresistibly tender, making them an elegant treat for tea time or any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of lavender and Earl Grey tea creates a sophisticated and aromatic experience.
• Perfect for Tea Lovers: These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or coffee, enhancing your favorite beverages.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions mean anyone can whip up these delightful cookies.
• Beautiful Presentation: The lavender specks add a touch of charm, making these cookies perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Dried culinary lavender
• Earl Grey tea leaves
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Lavender and Tea: Grind the lavender and Earl Grey tea leaves into a fine mixture using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, lavender-tea mixture, and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Slice and Bake: Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 57 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Glaze: Add a citrusy touch by drizzling a lemon glaze over the cookies. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a quick glaze.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment with different herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos for unique flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but use fresh lavender sparingly as it has a stronger flavor. Ensure it’s culinary-grade.

2. Can I omit the Earl Grey tea?

You can, but the tea adds a unique depth of flavor. Without it, the cookies will be predominantly lavender-flavored.

3. How do I ensure the lavender flavor isn’t overpowering?

Stick to the recommended measurements, as too much lavender can taste soapy.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

5. Do I need special tools to grind the lavender and tea?

A mortar and pestle or a spice grinder works best, but you can also use a rolling pin to crush them.

6. Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Yes, a small amount of purple food coloring can enhance the presentation.

7. What type of Earl Grey tea works best?

Loose-leaf tea or high-quality tea bags provide the best flavor. Avoid teas with added sweeteners.

8. Can I substitute vanilla extract with another flavoring?

Yes, almond or lemon extract would complement the lavender nicely.

9. Are these cookies suitable for vegans?

To make them vegan, replace butter with plant-based butter.

10. What’s the best way to serve these cookies?

They are best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or as part of an afternoon tea spread.

Conclusion

Lavender Earl Grey Cookies are a delightful treat that combines elegance and comfort in every bite. Their unique flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility make them a must-try recipe for bakers of all levels. Whether for a special occasion or a quiet moment with tea, these cookies promise to impress and satisfy.

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