Lavender Earl Grey Cookies: A Delicate and Aromatic Delight

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and fragrant treat, these Lavender Earl Grey Cookies are just what you need! With the delicate floral notes of lavender and the bold, citrusy flavor of Earl Grey tea, these cookies are perfect for an afternoon tea, a special gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of finely ground tea and culinary lavender adds a unique depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, these cookies are not only easy to make but also offer an elegant presentation with optional blue cornflower petals as a garnish. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon finely ground Earl Grey tea (from 3 tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose leaf tea)
• ½ teaspoon culinary-grade lavender, finely ground
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¼ cup (250g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Blue cornflower petals (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven and Pans:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, finely ground Earl Grey tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Sugar and Butter:

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and butter on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the egg. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Scrape down the bowl again to ensure even mixing.

5. Add the Dry Ingredients:

With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl one last time and mix on low for an additional 30 seconds to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

6. Assemble the Cookies:

Use a 3-tablespoon cookie dough scoop to portion the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches of space between each dough ball. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar for a sweet finish.

7. Bake the Cookies:

Bake one tray at a time for about 12 minutes. The cookies should be set at the edges but still gooey in the center. They will puff up during baking but will flatten and crack as they cool, creating a lovely texture.

8. Garnish and Cool:

If you want to add a decorative touch, sprinkle blue cornflower petals over the cookies while they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes until they are firm enough to handle.

9. Serve and Store:

Enjoy your Lavender Earl Grey Cookies warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 20 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: 120 kcal

Why You’ll Love These Lavender Earl Grey Cookies:

• Unique Flavor Combination: The delicate floral lavender and the citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea create a sophisticated flavor that’s different from your typical cookie.
• Soft and Buttery: These cookies are soft in the center with just the right amount of chew, making them a perfect treat to pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• Elegant Presentation: With their lovely cracked tops and the optional garnish of blue cornflower petals, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for serving at tea parties or special occasions.
• Quick and Easy: Despite their elegant taste, these cookies are simple to make and come together in under 30 minutes!

Tips for Success:

• Grind the Tea and Lavender: To ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough, finely grind the Earl Grey tea leaves and lavender. You can use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for this step.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mix only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.
• Adjust the Lavender: If you prefer a more subtle lavender flavor, you can reduce the amount of culinary lavender used in the recipe.

Variations:

• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for an extra burst of citrus flavor that complements the Earl Grey tea.
• Glaze Finish: Drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cookies for a sweet and tangy finish.
• Herb Swap: If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can substitute it with dried rosemary or thyme for a different herbal twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Tea: Serve these cookies alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea or a calming herbal tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
• At a Gathering: These elegant cookies are ideal for a brunch, baby shower, or afternoon tea party, adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert spread.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family.

Final Thoughts:

These Lavender Earl Grey Cookies are a delightful blend of aromatic flavors and buttery goodness, perfect for anyone who loves a unique and elegant dessert. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea at home, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate texture and sophisticated taste. Give them a try and bring a touch of elegance to your cookie collection!

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