Earl grey lavender cookies are floral, aromatic, and utterly unique. Delicate tea-infused dough paired with a hint of lavender makes each bite fragrant and sophisticated.
These cookies are simple to make yet impressive enough for tea parties or gifting. Drizzle lightly with glaze for a polished finish.
Savor earl grey lavender cookies and enjoy a dessert that’s elegant, fragrant, and memorable.
How to Make Earl Grey Lavender Cookies
Delicate, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, these Earl Grey lavender cookies feel refined and special. The flavors are subtle, never overpowering.
Let’s bake something a little different today.
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How to Get Your Earl Grey Lavender Cookies Just Right
Getting these cookies perfectly buttery, floral, and crisp-edged depends on precision and a few insider tips.
Here’s how to make sure every batch turns out bakery-level delicious:
1. Grind Your Tea and Lavender Finely
Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to finely grind the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender. This releases their oils evenly into the dough, infusing each cookie with a balanced, aromatic flavor instead of uneven bursts of floral intensity.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly
Beat the butter and sugar together for at least 2–3 minutes, until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Proper creaming helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Don’t Overmix After Adding Flour
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to dense or tough cookies instead of light and buttery ones.
4. Chill the Dough (If It’s Too Soft)
If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels sticky, chill it for 20–30 minutes before scooping or rolling. Slightly firm dough holds its shape better in the oven and prevents excessive spreading.
5. Watch the Bake Time Closely
These cookies should have lightly golden edges and a soft center when done. Since every oven varies, start checking a minute early. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
6. Let Them Cool Completely Before Storing
Warm cookies trap steam in containers, which softens their edges. Always cool them fully on a wire rack before packing them up to keep that delicate crispness.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much lavender: even a little extra can overpower the flavor.
- Skipping the salt: a touch of salt balances the floral notes and sweetness.
- Overbaking: they can turn dry or lose their subtle aroma if baked too long.
Pro Tip: For the most fragrant results, use freshly opened tea bags or loose-leaf tea rather than older ones that have lost their essential oils.
Earl Grey Lavender Cookies
19
servings10
minutes15
minutesWant a floral twist? These earl grey lavender cookies combine fragrant tea and delicate lavender for a sophisticated, soft cookie.
Ingredients
- For the Lavender Earl Grey Cookies
2 ¼ cups (9.5 ounces or 270 grams) all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cup (8.80 ounces or 250 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (8 ounces or 227 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 Tablespoon finely ground Earl Grey tea (from 3 tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose leaf tea)
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon culinary-grade lavender, finely ground
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
- For Garnish
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
blue cornflower petals
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground Earl Grey tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and airy. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Lower the mixer speed to medium and mix in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract, until just blended. Scrape down the bowl once more to make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture. Continue mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Scrape down the bowl one final time and beat briefly on low for about 30 seconds to ensure no dry spots remain.
- Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into even balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each one about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Sprinkle the tops with the 2 tablespoons of sugar reserved for garnish.
- Bake one sheet at a time for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear soft and slightly underbaked. The cookies will puff up while baking and then naturally settle into a beautifully cracked surface as they cool.
- If desired, lightly sprinkle blue cornflower petals over the tops right after baking. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 20 minutes until the edges are firm and the centers are set.
- Enjoy warm or once cooled completely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variation Tips
Once you’ve mastered the classic Earl Grey Lavender Cookies, try experimenting with a few fun twists to make them uniquely yours.
These variations keep the base recipe intact while letting you play with flavor, texture, and dietary preferences.
1. Swap the Tea Flavor
- Chai Tea: For a cozy, spiced version, replace the Earl Grey with ground chai tea.
- Matcha: Use 1 tablespoon of culinary matcha powder instead of tea for a beautiful green hue and earthy flavor.
- Jasmine or Green Tea: Perfect for a lighter, floral twist.
2. Adjust the Floral Notes
- Replace lavender with rose petals or hibiscus for a different floral aroma.
- Skip the lavender entirely if you prefer a simpler citrus-tea profile.
3. Add a Citrus Kick
Enhance the bergamot flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of grated lemon or orange zest to the dough. It brightens the flavor and complements the floral undertones beautifully.
4. Try a Glaze or Drizzle
Top cooled cookies with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and Earl Grey–infused milk or lemon juice. This adds a hint of sweetness and a glossy finish.
5. Play with Texture
- For extra crisp cookies, bake 1–2 minutes longer.
- For softer cookies, slightly reduce the bake time and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
6. Make Them Gluten-Free
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your tea and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
7. Make Them Vegan-Friendly
Use vegan butter and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2½ tablespoons water). Chill the dough before baking for best texture.
8. Add Chocolate or Nuts
Fold in white chocolate chips, toasted almonds, or pistachios for extra richness and crunch.
Pro Tip: When experimenting with add-ins, keep total additions under ½ cup so the dough structure remains balanced.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Earl Grey Lavender Cookies tasting as fragrant and buttery as the day they were baked.
Follow these tips to maintain their perfect texture and flavor for days (or even weeks) after baking.
1. At Room Temperature
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
- They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate crisp edges and tender centers.
- Avoid storing them near strong-smelling foods—lavender and tea flavors can easily absorb surrounding odors.
2. Refrigeration
- While refrigeration isn’t necessary, it can slightly extend freshness. Place the cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
- Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving to restore their buttery texture and fragrance.
3. Freezing (Best for Long-Term Storage)
- Earl Grey Lavender Cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
- They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
4. Freezing the Dough
- You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime. Place them on a tray to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
5. Reheating (Optional)
For a just-baked aroma and light crispness, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes.
6. Storage Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t store warm cookies as this traps steam and makes them soft.
- Avoid plastic wrap alone; it can make the cookies greasy and lose their crunch.
- Never refrigerate uncovered, as the lavender scent may fade or absorb unwanted fridge odors.
With these methods, your Earl Grey Lavender Cookies will stay delightfully aromatic and tender—perfect for pairing with your next cup of tea.
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FAQs
Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?
Yes! You can substitute Earl Grey with any black tea you enjoy. However, note that Earl Grey’s signature citrusy bergamot flavor gives these cookies their distinct aroma, so other teas (like English Breakfast or Darjeeling) will produce a milder, less floral taste.
What can I use instead of lavender?
If you prefer a simpler flavor, you can omit the lavender entirely or replace it with a pinch of dried rose petals or chamomile for a soft floral note. Make sure to use culinary-grade flowers only, as decorative varieties may contain additives or pesticides.
Why did my cookies spread too much or not enough?
Over-spreading often happens when the butter is too soft or melted. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if it feels sticky or warm.
If your cookies didn’t spread enough, you may have added too much flour. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy and gently flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh, and can I freeze them?
At room temperature, the cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or reheat briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven to restore crispness and aroma.
How should I serve Earl Grey Lavender Cookies?
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey, chamomile, or vanilla-scented tea. They also make a lovely addition to afternoon tea spreads, brunch trays, or elegant dessert platters. For a special touch, drizzle lightly with lemon glaze or white chocolate before serving.
