Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small bowl, open the Earl Grey tea bags and mix the tea leaves with the flour.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the flour mixture and salt to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut the dough into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
7. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrate: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Granulated sugar can be used instead of powdered sugar, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
- Other types of tea can be used instead of Earl Grey, such as green tea or chai tea.
Variations:
- Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the dough for a subtle vanilla flavor.
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar or edible glitter before baking for a festive touch.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the powdered sugar.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating Instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries or fruit slices can be arranged around the cookies for a pop of color.
- A dollop of whipped cream or whipped coconut cream can be added to each cookie for a creamy touch.
Pairings:
- Serve the cookies with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a perfect match.
- A glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also be served alongside the cookies.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Cheese and crackers
- Vegetable crudités with dip
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water to bring it together.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for longer before baking or add a bit more flour to the dough.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling the ingredients.
- Use fresh ingredients and check for expiration dates.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food History:
Shortbread cookies originated in Scotland in the 16th century and were traditionally made with just butter, sugar, and flour. Earl Grey tea, named after the British Prime Minister, was created in the 19th century and is a blend of black tea and bergamot oil.
Flavor Profiles:
These Earl Grey shortbread cookies have a delicate tea flavor with a buttery and crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect for a tea party or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea.
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