These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a delicious blend of floral lavender and fragrant Earl Grey, making them the perfect complement to a cup of tea or coffee. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time. So, gather your ingredients, prepare the lavender Earl Grey infusion, mix the dough, shape and bake the cookies, and get ready to enjoy the heavenly taste of your homemade Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious treat that bursts with flavor and charm.
Gathering Ingredients and Supplies
Before you can start making these delicious lavender earl grey shortbread cookies, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies. To make this recipe, you will need 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender, 2 tablespoons of loose earl grey tea leaves, and a pinch of salt. Additionally, you will need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, cookie cutters in desired shapes, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to check your pantry and stock up on any missing items before you begin. Having everything ready and within reach will make the baking process much smoother and enjoyable.
Preparing the Lavender Earl Grey Infusion
First, you’ll want to steep the fragrant lavender and Earl Grey tea together, allowing their harmonious flavors to dance on your taste buds. To begin, bring a small saucepan of water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the water is simmering, add the lavender buds and Earl Grey tea leaves to a heatproof bowl. Pour the simmering water over the lavender and tea, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the water. After steeping, strain the lavender and tea, discarding the solids. You are now left with a beautifully fragrant lavender Earl Grey infusion, ready to be incorporated into your shortbread cookie recipe.
Mixing the Dough
Now it’s time for you to get your hands in the dough and bring all the ingredients together in a deliciously satisfying mix. Start by adding the dry ingredients – 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt – into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened), 1 teaspoon of lavender earl grey infusion (cooled), and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter mixture on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Once the dough is well combined, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before proceeding to the next step.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, proceed to shape it into elegant rounds and bake them to perfection. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Flatten the ball slightly with the palm of your hand, creating a thick disc shape. Place the shaped cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, ensuring that all the cookies are evenly shaped. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoying Your Homemade Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the pure bliss of savoring your own delectable creations, as the delicate aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture transport you to a state of sheer culinary delight. After shaping and baking your lavender earl grey shortbread cookies to perfection, it’s finally time to enjoy. Take a moment to appreciate the golden edges and the subtle hints of lavender and earl grey tea in every bite. As you take your first nibble, the cookies crumble gently, releasing their buttery goodness onto your tongue. Close your eyes and let the flavors dance on your palate, the lavender adding a touch of floral elegance and the earl grey tea lending a refined and slightly citrusy note. These homemade delights are perfect for an afternoon tea party or simply as a treat to savor during a quiet moment of self-indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the lavender Earl Grey shortbread cookies stay fresh?
The freshness of lavender Earl Grey shortbread cookies depends on storage. When stored in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy their delicate flavors for longer!
Can I substitute regular Earl Grey tea for lavender Earl Grey tea in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular earl grey tea for lavender earl grey tea in this recipe. It will alter the flavor slightly, but the cookies should still turn out delicious.
Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh lavender for the infusion?
Yes, dried lavender can be used instead of fresh lavender for the infusion. It will still provide a similar flavor and aroma.
Can I freeze the dough and bake the cookies at a later time?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for the Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies and bake them later. It’s a convenient way to prepare ahead and enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you want.
Can I use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies instead of rolling them into a log?
Yes, you can use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies instead of rolling them into a log. It’s a great way to create different shapes and sizes, adding a fun and decorative touch to your lavender earl grey shortbread cookies.
Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, bring water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
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Place the dried lavender and loose Earl Grey tea in a heatproof bowl. Pour the simmering water over the lavender and tea, fully submerging them. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes.
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Strain the infusion, discarding the solids, and set it aside to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
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In a separate bowl, cream together butter, 1 teaspoon of the cooled lavender Earl Grey infusion, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Flatten the ball slightly to form a thick disc shape.
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Place the shaped cookie dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, ensuring even shapes.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
