Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are the perfect mix of classic comfort and a little something special. These cookies take a familiar, buttery sugar cookie base and infuse it with the warm, citrusy flavor of Earl Grey tea. The result? A soft, chewy cookie with crisp edges and just the right hint of bergamot and vanilla.

This Earl Grey Sugar Cookies recipe is a must-try if you love tea (or just love a good cookie). The finely ground tea leaves blend right into the dough, giving each bite a subtle floral note without overpowering the sweetness. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and pair beautifully with your favorite warm drink—think of them as a tea lover’s dream snack.

What’s in These Cookies?

Each ingredient in these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies plays a key role in making them so delicious:

• Butter – For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar – Sweetness with a slight crispness around the edges.
• Earl Grey Tea – Adds a unique, lightly citrusy, floral flavor.
• Flour – The foundation that holds everything together.
• Egg – Helps create that soft, chewy bite.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings out the best flavors in every ingredient.

Looking for more fun tea-inspired treats? These Matcha Pancakes are another great way to bring bold flavors into your baking!

Why You’ll Love Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

If you’re a cookie lover with a soft spot for tea, Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. They’re buttery, slightly crisp on the edges, and have that perfect chew in the center. But the real magic? The way Earl Grey tea adds a cozy, citrusy-floral flavor that makes each bite feel just a little more special.

1. A Unique Twist on a Classic

Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are great, but let’s be real—they can sometimes be a little basic. The addition of finely ground Earl Grey tea takes these to a whole new level. The bergamot in the tea gives them a light, citrusy aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweet vanilla base. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both familiar and unexpected, this is it.

2. They’re Simple to Make

No fancy techniques here—just mix, scoop, and bake. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool before taking that first bite! Plus, since the tea leaves are ground and mixed right into the dough, there’s no need for extra steeping or complicated steps.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a tea party, baking for the holidays, or just craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, these cookies fit right in. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift—wrap them up with a tin of Earl Grey tea for an extra special touch!

4. Pairs Well with Other Treats

These cookies are amazing on their own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, try sandwiching them with a little vanilla buttercream. Or, for another delicious tea-infused treat, check out these Matcha Pancakes—they’re just as soft and flavorful!

Ingredients for Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

The best thing about Earl Grey Sugar Cookies? They’re made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—but each one plays a big role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

The Essentials

• Butter (1 cup, softened) – This gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and helps create those lightly crisp edges.
• Egg (1 large) – Binds the dough together and adds moisture for that soft, chewy bite.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the flavors and makes everything taste just a little cozier.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups) – The structure of the cookie. Too much, and they’ll be dry; too little, and they’ll spread too much.
• Baking Powder (½ teaspoon) – Helps with just a slight lift, so they don’t turn out too dense.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

The Star Ingredient

• Earl Grey Tea (2 tablespoons, finely ground) – The magic behind these cookies. You can use loose-leaf or bagged tea, just make sure to grind it into a fine powder so it blends smoothly into the dough. The bergamot oil in Earl Grey gives these cookies their signature citrusy-floral flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

• Lemon Zest – Want to boost the citrus notes? A teaspoon of lemon zest adds extra brightness.
• Powdered Sugar – Dusting the cookies lightly after baking gives them an elegant finish.

Looking for another cozy, tea-inspired treat? These Matcha Pancakes are just as soft and flavorful—perfect for breakfast or brunch!

Essential Tools for Baking Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

Baking Earl Grey Sugar Cookies is easy, but having the right tools makes the process even smoother. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few kitchen essentials to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Must-Have Baking Tools

• Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for wet ingredients and one for dry. A larger bowl makes mixing easier (and less messy).
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Creaming butter and sugar properly is key to getting that light, crisp-yet-chewy texture. A hand mixer works great, but if you have a stand mixer, it makes the process even faster.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Precision is everything in baking. Too much flour or too little sugar can throw off the balance, so make sure you measure accurately.
• Spice Grinder or Food Processor – Earl Grey tea leaves need to be finely ground before adding them to the dough. A small spice grinder works best, but a food processor or even a mortar and pestle can do the trick.
• Whisk and Spatula – A whisk helps evenly mix dry ingredients, and a spatula makes scraping every bit of dough from the bowl easy.

For Perfectly Baked Cookies

• Baking Sheets – Use light-colored, nonstick baking sheets to prevent over-browning. Darker pans can make the bottoms cook too fast.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – Keeps cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
• Cookie Scoop – Ensures evenly sized cookies, which means they’ll all bake at the same rate.
• Wire Cooling Rack – Helps the cookies cool properly so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.

For another treat that’s just as fun to make, check out these Sourdough Discard Bagels—a great way to use up extra ingredients!

How to Make Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

Now that you’ve got your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get baking! These Earl Grey Sugar Cookies come together quickly, with simple steps that make them perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start, set out your butter and egg so they can come to room temperature. This helps them mix smoothly into the dough. Meanwhile, grind your Earl Grey tea into a fine powder using a spice grinder or food processor. This ensures the tea blends seamlessly into the cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, tender cookies!
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

For the best texture, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
4. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Want to try another homemade baked good? These Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels are a must for breakfast lovers!

Swaps and Substitutions for Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

One of the best things about Earl Grey Sugar Cookies is how easy they are to customize! Whether you need a dairy-free version, a gluten-free alternative, or just want to experiment with new flavors, here are some simple swaps to make these cookies work for you.

Dairy-Free & Vegan Options

• Butter → Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil – Use a plant-based butter substitute to keep the cookies soft and rich. Coconut oil works too, but it will change the flavor slightly.
• Egg → Flax Egg – Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then use it in place of the egg.

Gluten-Free Version

• All-Purpose Flour → Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour – A high-quality gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur) works best. Avoid almond or coconut flour alone, as they absorb moisture differently and can make the cookies too dry.

Flavor Twists

• Earl Grey Tea → Other Teas – Try swapping Earl Grey for chai, matcha, or lavender tea for a different twist. Each will bring its own unique flavor.
• Vanilla Extract → Almond Extract – A small swap that adds a nutty depth to the cookies.
• Add Lemon or Orange Zest – A teaspoon of citrus zest boosts the bright, fresh notes in the tea.

Sugar Alternatives

• Granulated Sugar → Coconut Sugar – This will give the cookies a slightly caramel-like flavor.
• Granulated Sugar → Maple Syrup or Honey – For a softer cookie, use ¾ cup liquid sweetener in place of 1 cup of sugar, and reduce other liquids slightly.

Looking for another fun recipe? Try these Sourdough Discard Bagels Without Yeast for a no-fuss, homemade treat!

What to Serve with Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

Sure, Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are amazing on their own—but why stop there? Pairing them with the right drinks spreads, and desserts can take them from delicious to next-level indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, treating yourself to an afternoon snack, or looking for a creative way to serve them, here are the best ways to enjoy these cookies.

1. Perfect Drink Pairings

• A Cup of Earl Grey Tea – Obvious? Maybe. But pairing these cookies with the very tea they’re made from enhances the flavor beautifully.
• Chai Latte – The warm spices of chai (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves) complement the citrusy bergamot in the cookies.
• London Fog Latte – This creamy, vanilla-infused Earl Grey latte is the liquid soulmate to these cookies.
• Coffee or Espresso – The cookies’ buttery sweetness balances the bold bitterness of coffee, making them the perfect match for a morning pick-me-up.

2. Sweet and Creamy Additions

• Lemon Curd – The bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with the Earl Grey tea notes.
• Vanilla or Honey Butter – Spread a little on a warm cookie for an extra indulgent bite.
• White Chocolate Drizzle – Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an elegant touch.

3. Make It a Full Dessert

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or honey-lavender ice cream.
• Afternoon Tea Spread – Serve these cookies alongside 5 Secrets Why Madeleines Taste So Good for a stunning tea-time treat.

Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Julie
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Soft and buttery sugar cookies infused with the delicate citrusy-floral notes of Earl Grey tea, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves, finely ground
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest, powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading.
7. Scoop out dough, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
9. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For a stronger Earl Grey flavor, steep the tea leaves in melted butter before incorporating into the dough.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Earl Grey, sugar cookies, tea cookies, baking, dessert

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FAQs About Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

When it comes to baking with tea, there are always a few questions! Here are some of the most common ones about Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—from caffeine content to the best flavor pairings.

1. How do you make Earl Grey taste better?

Earl Grey already has a lovely citrusy, floral taste, but you can enhance it by pairing it with the right ingredients. Adding vanilla, honey, or a splash of milk can soften any bitterness when drinking it, while in baking, a little lemon zest or extra vanilla extract boosts the tea’s natural flavors.

2. Are Earl Grey cookies caffeinated?

Yes, but only slightly. Since the cookies use finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, they do contain some caffeine. However, the amount is minimal—far less than a cup of tea—so you won’t get a caffeine buzz from eating a couple. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you can swap in a decaf Earl Grey for the same flavor without the kick.

3. What does Earl Grey cake taste like?

Earl Grey cake has a similar flavor to these cookies—lightly sweet with a citrusy, floral taste from the bergamot oil in the tea. It’s usually paired with vanilla, honey, or lavender to enhance its warm, cozy notes.

4. What does Earl Grey taste like?

Earl Grey has a distinct flavor that’s both bold and refreshing. The black tea base is rich and slightly malty, while the bergamot oil adds a zesty, citrusy touch that makes it feel light and aromatic.

5. What flavor goes with Earl Grey?

Earl Grey pairs beautifully with vanilla, honey, lavender, lemon, and almond. These flavors balance its slightly bitter, citrusy notes and bring out its floral undertones—making them perfect in desserts like What Is a Substitute for Madeleine Molds? for a fancy tea-time treat!

6. What gives Earl Grey its flavor?

The key ingredient in Earl Grey is bergamot oil—a fragrant citrus oil extracted from bergamot oranges. This gives the tea its signature bright, floral, and slightly zesty flavor.

And there you have it—Earl Grey Sugar Cookies, a simple yet elegant treat with just the right balance of buttery sweetness and citrusy floral notes. Whether you’re a die-hard tea lover or just looking for a fun twist on a classic sugar cookie, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or even as a homemade gift. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of Earl Grey (obviously), but they’re also fantastic with coffee, chai, or even a glass of milk. Want to make them even fancier? Try drizzling them with white chocolate or turning them into ice cream sandwiches for an extra indulgent dessert.

Give Them a Try!

Baking these cookies is as easy as mixing, chilling, and baking—and the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before taking that first bite! If you love tea-infused treats, don’t forget to check out these 5 Secrets Why Madeleines Taste So Good for another delicious baked good that pairs perfectly with your favorite brew.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to fill your kitchen with Earl Grey Sugar Cookies’ warm, cozy aroma? Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!