Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Easy and Delicious Treat

Are you ready to fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma? Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread is an easy and tasty treat that combines floral notes with bold tea flavors. In this post, I'll guide you through simple steps to make these delightful cookies. You’ll impress your friends and family with your baking skills. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- ½ cup powdered sugar

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These simple ingredients create a lovely treat. The butter gives the cookies a rich flavor. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and a soft texture. All-purpose flour helps shape the cookies for the perfect bite.

The culinary lavender offers a floral note that brightens the flavor. Earl Grey tea leaves give a subtle, aromatic taste. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. Finally, vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the mix.

Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Choose high-quality butter for the best taste. Select culinary lavender to ensure safety and flavor. Look for a good Earl Grey tea, as it stirs in a lovely hint of citrus.

Now that you know what goes into these cookies, let’s move on to making them. Each ingredient plays an important role, leading to a delicious shortbread that you'll love to share.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking.

3. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy.

4. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mix. Stir until it is well blended.

Combining Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, prepare your dry mix. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped culinary lavender, 1 tablespoon of Earl Grey tea leaves, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

2. Slowly add this dry mixture to your butter mix. Keep stirring until you form a soft dough.

Shaping and Baking

1. Divide your dough in half. Shape each half into a log about 1.5 inches wide. Wrap them in plastic wrap.

2. Refrigerate the logs for at least 30 minutes. This makes slicing easier.

3. After chilling, slice the logs into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges.

5. When done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Shortbread

To get the right texture for your Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread, focus on the butter. Start with softened butter. This means it should feel like a cool pillow, not too hard or too melted. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until the mix is light and fluffy. This step is key. It helps add air, which makes the cookies tender.

When you cream butter and sugar, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about three minutes. Scrape the bowl down with a spatula often. This helps mix everything evenly. Then, add the vanilla extract. Mix just until combined.

Flavor Enhancement

To elevate the flavor of your shortbread, consider adding zest. A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest brightens the taste. You can also experiment with spices. A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg gives a warm flavor twist. If you like more lavender, add another half tablespoon. Just remember, balance is key.

Presentation Tips

For a lovely finish, dust your cooled cookies with powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch and looks pretty. Use a fine sieve to sprinkle the sugar lightly. Serve the shortbread on a beautiful plate. I like to pair them with a cup of Earl Grey tea. This creates a relaxing afternoon treat. Add a sprig of lavender for a pop of color.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the flavor of your Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread. Here are some fun ideas:

- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a bright kick.

- Orange Blossom: Use orange zest instead of lavender for a sweet twist.

- Chocolate Chip: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a rich taste.

- Matcha: Replace some flour with matcha powder for a green tea flavor.

These options let you explore new tastes and impress your friends.

Dietary Adjustments

You can make this recipe fit your diet. For gluten-free shortbread, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Make sure it has a good binding agent. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and replace powdered sugar with a vegan brand. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of butter. These changes still keep the cookies tasty and fun.

Serving Suggestions

Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread pairs well with many things. Here are some ideas:

- Serve with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea for a classic pairing.

- Try it with honey or fruit preserves for a sweet addition.

- A scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a creamy touch.

These pairings make your treat even more enjoyable and special.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Cookies

To keep your Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread fresh, follow these tips:

- Use an airtight container: This helps prevent the cookies from drying out.

- Layer with parchment paper: If you stack cookies, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

- Store at room temperature: Keep cookies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze shortbread dough for later use. Here’s how:

- Wrap the dough tightly: After shaping your logs, wrap them in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag.

- Label the bags: Write the date and type of cookie on the bag. This helps you keep track of what you have.

When you’re ready to bake:

- Thaw in the fridge: Move the dough to the fridge the night before you bake. This helps keep the texture nice.

- Slice and bake: Once thawed, slice the dough into rounds and bake as usual. Enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

FAQs

Common Questions

What is the best way to serve Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread?

Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of Earl Grey tea. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Use a pretty plate to make them look special.

How long do these cookies last?

These cookies stay fresh for about one week when stored in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Can I use dried lavender from my garden?

Yes, you can use dried lavender from your garden. Just make sure it is culinary lavender. Avoid using lavender that has pesticides or chemicals. The flavor will be fresh and delightful.

Recipe Customization

Can I add other flavors to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add zest from a lemon or orange for a bright flavor. Chopped nuts, like almonds, also work well. Feel free to get creative and mix in your favorite flavors!

What type of Earl Grey tea should I use?

Use a high-quality Earl Grey tea for the best taste. Look for loose-leaf tea or tea bags with real bergamot oil. The flavor will shine through and make your shortbread taste amazing.

This post covered a delightful Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and how to refine your cookies. Tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancement were shared for best results. I included variations for dietary needs and serving ideas.

Enjoy creating this treat for yourself or to share. These cookies will impress anyone who tries them. Be adventurous in your kitchen and experiment with flavors. You're now ready to bake something truly specia