Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

These Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe are a delightful treat that combines the rich aromas of Earl Grey tea and floral lavender. Perfect for afternoon tea, these cookies are not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Their chewy texture and buttery goodness make them an exquisite addition to any dessert table or a special gift for loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The fusion of Earl Grey tea and lavender creates a sophisticated taste that’s unlike any other cookie.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether serving at a tea party, gifting, or enjoying as an everyday snack, these cookies always impress.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with accessible ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for bakers of all levels.
• Visually Stunning: With their delicate blue cornflower petals, these cookies are as pretty as they are delicious.
• Chewy and Buttery Texture: The perfect balance of chewiness and richness ensures that one cookie is never enough.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Lavender Earl Grey Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

For the Lavender Earl Grey Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 ¼ cups (9.5 ounces or 270 grams) 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 (8.80 ounces or 250 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (8 ounces or 227 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Topping

• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• blue cornflower petals

How to Make Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Finely ground Earl Grey tea
3. Culinary-grade lavender
4. Baking powder
5. Baking soda
6. Kosher salt

Ensure that all dry ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract

Add in the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sugar and Bake

Sprinkle each cookie with granulated sugar and top with blue cornflower petals for decoration. Bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Lavender Earl Grey Cookies!

How to Serve Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

These delightful Lavender Earl Grey cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies will impress everyone with their unique flavors.

With Tea

• Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a harmonious experience. The cookie will enhance the tea’s bergamot flavors while adding a lovely floral note.

As Dessert

• Serve these cookies as a charming dessert after dinner. Their buttery texture and delicate flavor make them an elegant choice for any meal.

At Parties

• Offer these cookies at gatherings or parties. Their beautiful appearance, especially when garnished with blue cornflower petals, will surely catch your guests’ attention.

Gift Them

• Package these cookies in a decorative box as a thoughtful gift. Add a personal touch by including a handwritten note about the flavors and ingredients.

How to Perfect Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

To ensure your Lavender Earl Grey cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lavender and high-quality Earl Grey tea to maximize flavor.

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps create a smooth dough and ensures even baking.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading and result in thicker cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

These side dishes complement the floral notes of Lavender Earl Grey cookies beautifully. They add variety to your dessert table or tea spread.

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies. Consider using seasonal fruits like berries or citrus.

2. Herbal Tea: Serve an assortment of herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint, which provide calming flavors that pair well with the floral notes of the cookies.

3. Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie on a cheese board. The creaminess contrasts nicely with the chewy texture of the cookies.

4. Scones: Traditional scones, particularly those flavored with lemon or lavender, echo the cookie’s essence while providing a classic touch to your tea spread.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a light side dish that offers creaminess and crunch alongside the soft texture of the cookies.

6. Spiced Nuts: Serve spiced nuts as an easy snack option that provides savory notes to balance out the sweetness of the Lavender Earl Grey cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, especially with unique flavors like lavender and Earl Grey. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Incorrect tea measurement: Using too much or too little Earl Grey tea can affect the flavor. Measure carefully using finely ground tea from bags or loose leaf.
• Overmixing dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain a chewy texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Not allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet can cause them to break apart. Let them rest for a few minutes before transferring.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well and may result in dense cookies. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
• Misjudging baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early. Aim for lightly golden edges for perfectly baked cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months; separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds to soften without drying out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe that might help you succeed in making them!

Can I use different types of tea in this Lavender Earl Grey Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavored teas like chamomile or jasmine, but adjust based on their strength and flavor profiles.

How do I make these Lavender Earl Grey Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What can I use instead of granulated sugar?

For a less sweet version, try coconut sugar or maple sugar as alternatives, adjusting quantities as needed.

How should I store my Lavender Earl Grey Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Lavender Earl Grey Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or citrus zest to enhance their flavor further. Enjoy making these delightful treats for yourself or sharing them with friends!