Earl Grey Tea Shortbread – A Buttery, Fragrant Cookie You’ll Want on Repeat

Earl Grey Tea Shortbread is a simple, elegant cookie that blends buttery richness with the floral citrus notes of Earl Grey. At Recipes of Kitchen – The Gluten-Free Sweet Kitchen, I love turning classic treats into gluten-free favorites—and this one never disappoints.

I’m Lidia Bellacci, and this recipe is one of my go-to’s for tea time, holidays, or anytime I want something easy yet impressive.

In this article, you’ll get a quick guide to making Earl Grey Tea Shortbread from scratch, plus tips on variations, storage, and using tea bags vs. loose leaf.

What Is Earl Grey Tea Shortbread?

The Charm of Shortbread: History and Basics

Shortbread is a classic Scottish cookie known for its tender, crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor. It’s typically made with just three simple ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter.. The magic of shortbread lies in its simplicity—no eggs, no rising agents, just melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Why Earl Grey? The Tea’s Distinctive Flavor

Earl Grey Tea Shortbread gets its signature flavor from the tea’s unique blend of black tea and bergamot oil. Bergamot, a citrus fruit, adds bright, floral notes that pair beautifully with the creamy richness of butter. It turns an otherwise humble cookie into a fragrant, gourmet treat.

The Perfect Combo: Butter, Sugar, Tea

When you infuse finely ground tea into butter and sugar, the flavor seeps into every bite of the dough. The result? A cookie that feels fancy but is shockingly easy to make at home. This is what makes Earl Grey Tea Shortbread ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

Whether served alongside a hot cup of tea or wrapped up as edible gifts, these cookies deliver on flavor, aroma, and visual charm. Plus, they’re a surefire way to impress anyone who takes a bite.

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Ingredients Matter – What You Really Need

Choosing the Right Butter for Shortbread

When it comes to Earl Grey Tea Shortbread, butter is the star. Use unsalted, high-fat European-style butter if available. Its lower water content gives the cookies a tender, crumbly texture and enhances the flavor of the tea. Always let your butter soften at room temperature before creaming it—this helps the tea distribute evenly.

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags – Which Infuses Best?

The tea you choose plays a big role in the final flavor. Loose leaf Earl Grey typically has larger pieces of real bergamot peel and a stronger aroma, making it perfect for baking. However, if tea bags are what you have, go for premium brands with rich flavor and minimal filler.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Type	Pros	Notes
Loose Leaf	Bold flavor, aromatic oils	Grind finely before using
Tea BagsA warm, homemade gift idea using fresh-baked tea shortbread	Convenient, accessible	Use 2–3 bags for full flavor

For best results, grind the tea leaves to a fine powder using a spice grinder or food processor. This ensures a smooth texture in your Earl Grey Tea Shortbread without visible chunks.

Flour, Sugar, Salt: Keep It Simple, Keep It Quality

Use all-purpose flour for a classic shortbread texture. Avoid cake flour or bread flour—they change the structure too much. For sweetness, powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) blends smoothly and helps create that signature melt-in-your-mouth finish.

A pinch of fine sea salt is also important—it balances the butter and brightens the Earl Grey flavor. Just ¼ teaspoon goes a long way.

Step-by-Step Earl Grey Tea Shortbread Recipe

Grinding the Tea for Baking

The secret to a fragrant, evenly flavored Earl Grey Tea Shortbread lies in how you prep the tea. Use a spice grinder, small blender, or mortar and pestle to grind the tea leaves into a fine powder. This helps the flavor distribute without adding gritty texture.

• Use 2 teaspoons of ground loose leaf tea (or the contents of 3–4 strong tea bags).
• Be sure there are no large tea flakes—fine grind = better taste.

Creaming Butter & Sugar – The Base Flavor Step

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process traps air and helps the cookie stay tender while letting the butter melt smoothly in your mouth.

Now add:

• Your ground Earl Grey tea
• A dash of vanilla extract (optional but enhances flavor)

Mix well until the tea is fully blended into the buttery base.

Mixing, Shaping, and Chilling the Dough

Stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon fine salt until the dough forms. Don’t overmix—it should look like a soft, pliable ball.

Next:

• Shape the dough into a log or disc, depending on how you want to slice or roll it.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic and chill for 30–60 minutes. This firms the butter and helps the cookies hold shape.

You can also roll it out and use cookie cutters for a fun twist on traditional slices.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice your dough about ¼ inch thick and space cookies evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. They shouldn’t brown much—shortbread is delicate!

Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Pro Tip: These cookies will continue to firm as they cool. Don’t overbake or they’ll become too hard.

Variations to Try with Earl Grey Shortbread

Lemon Zest Infused Earl Grey Cookies

Citrus pairs naturally with bergamot. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to your dough for a lively, aromatic twist on Earl Grey Tea Shortbread. It brings out the tea’s brightness and adds visual appeal without changing the texture.

Chocolate-Dipped Earl Grey Tea Shortbread

Want to level up your cookies for a holiday platter or gift box? Dip half of each cooled shortbread cookie into melted dark chocolate. Let it set on wax paper. The rich chocolate complements the floral tea beautifully and looks amazing on dessert trays.

Lavender-Earl Grey Shortbread Twist

Combine 1 teaspoon culinary lavender (ground or whole buds) with your tea for a floral, spa-like aroma. Keep the lavender light—too much can overpower the subtle tea notes. This variation is popular for weddings, baby showers, and tea parties.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Adjustments

To make vegan Earl Grey Tea Shortbread, replace butter with plant-based baking sticks or coconut oil (solid, not melted). For gluten-free versions, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix with xanthan gum included.

Note: Vegan versions tend to spread slightly more, so chill longer and use parchment paper when baking.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture

Why Chill the Dough?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fat, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and losing shape in the oven. It also helps the Earl Grey Tea Shortbread maintain a clean, crisp edge and keeps the buttery texture dense and rich.

Cutting Even Slices Every Time

To ensure even baking, slice dough with a sharp knife or bench scraper, cleaning the blade between each cut. For shaped cookies, roll the dough evenly and chill it again before cutting to prevent sticking.

Avoiding Overbaking or Crumbly Results

Overbaking is a common shortbread issue. The cookies should come out just lightly golden on the bottom—not browned. If they’re too crumbly, you may have added too much flour or baked them too long.

Quick Fixes:

• Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurement.
• Bake on the center rack.
• Check doneness after 11 minutes, not 14.

Pairing Earl Grey Shortbread with Other Flavors

Tea & Coffee Pairings That Work

Naturally, Earl Grey Tea Shortbread pairs beautifully with—you guessed it—Earl Grey tea itself. The bergamot in both the cookie and the tea enhances each bite and sip. But don’t stop there:

• English Breakfast or Darjeeling for more body
• Chai latte to add spice contrast
• Black coffee to cut the richness

Serving these cookies at brunch or tea time? Offer a variety of sips to match.

Cheese Plates, Fruit Compotes & More

For a sophisticated twist, serve your shortbread alongside:

• A soft cheese like brie or triple crème
• A small spoon of raspberry or fig compote
• A slice of poached pear or roasted peach

The buttery cookie makes a perfect canvas for sweet-savory contrasts.

Serving Ideas for Afternoon Tea

Present Earl Grey Tea Shortbread in stacked towers or layered cookie tins. Use:

• Mini doilies or parchment for separation
• Pressed edible flowers for visual elegance
• Tie in bundles of three with baker’s twine for gifting

They’re dainty, photogenic, and perfect for any tea-centric gathering.

Storage, Freshness & Make-Ahead Prep

How to Store Earl Grey Tea Shortbread

Store fully cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking and preserve appearance.

Can You Freeze the Dough or Baked Cookies?

Yes, shortbread dough freezes exceptionally well. Shape into a log or disc, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and store for up to 2 months.

To bake from frozen:

• Thaw in the fridge overnight
• Slice and bake as usual

Baked cookies can also be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a freezer bag.

Shelf Life and Best Containers

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Item	Storage Method	Shelf Life
Raw Dough	Frozen (wrapped)	Up to 2 months
Baked Cookies	Airtight at room temp	5–7 days
Baked (frozen)	Freezer-safe bag	Up to 1 month

Pro Tip: Keep silica gel packets from other food items to store with cookies in tins—they reduce moisture.

Nutritional Breakdown and Dietary Notes

Calories and Macronutrients per Cookie

Each serving of Earl Grey Tea Shortbread (1 medium cookie) typically contains:

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	120–150 kcal
Total Fat	8–10g
Carbohydrates	12–15g
Sugar	5–7g
Protein	1–2g

These buttery cookies are rich, so a little goes a long way!

Allergen Warnings – Dairy and Gluten

Standard shortbread includes dairy (butter) and gluten (flour). If you’re baking for others, clearly label your Earl Grey Tea Shortbread to alert those with sensitivities.

Want to avoid allergens? Use:

• Vegan butter for dairy-free
• Gluten-free flour blends (1:1 ratio with xanthan gum)

Healthier Swaps and Low-Sugar Tips

Want to cut the sugar or fat? Try:

• Coconut oil or light margarine instead of butter (will change texture)
• Monk fruit sweetener or erythritol to reduce sugar
• Mix in ground flaxseed or chia for added fiber (just 1 tbsp)

While the texture and taste will shift slightly, you’ll still get a flavorful result with that distinctive Earl Grey note.

Creative Uses for Leftover Shortbread

Shortbread Crust for Tarts or Cheesecake

Crush your leftover Earl Grey Tea Shortbread and combine it with a bit of melted butter to form a fragrant crust for:

• Lemon tarts
• Chocolate ganache pies
• No-bake cheesecakes

Press into a pan, bake briefly, and you’ve got a high-end dessert base.

Ice Cream Mix-ins and Crumbles

Break cookies into small chunks and fold into vanilla or honey ice cream. Earl Grey and cream are a match made in dessert heaven. You can also sprinkle crumbles on yogurt parfaits or morning oats.

Edible Gifts and Tea Tin Packs

Got extras? Package your cookies in cellophane bags or metal tins lined with parchment. Add a handwritten tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift.

Looking for inspiration? Try Irresistibly Sweet Cornbread Cookies with Honey Glaze for another fragrant flavor twist on a traditional treat.

FAQs – Answering Popular Questions About Earl Grey Tea Shortbread