Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Earl Grey Tea Leaves (finely ground): 2 tablespoons
- Dried Culinary Lavender: 1 teaspoon
- Large Egg: 1
- Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Fine Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely grind the Earl Grey tea leaves (using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, ground tea leaves, and culinary lavender using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla powder until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Step 4: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes or until firm enough to roll out. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze the baked cookies for up to two months for long-term enjoyment.
- If the cookies lose their snap after a few days, refresh them by baking them on a sheet pan at 300°F (150°C) for just 3-4 minutes to restore their crisp texture.
- These delicate cookies pair wonderfully with a traditional afternoon tea setup, or serve them slightly chilled alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a sophisticated dessert.
- For the most intense fragrance and flavor, ensure the finely ground tea leaves and lavender are fully creamed with the butter and sugar in Step 1, as this process efficiently infuses the fats with essential oils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American