I’m a tea-aholic. Yes, it’s true that I need my big cup of coffee every morning to fully function, as my co-workers will attest, but deep down in my heart, tea holds a special place. To me, tea is soothing, comforting, and just tastes darned good.
Earl Grey and English Breakfast teas are my favorites, but I also like a Chai tea every now and again. The idea of baking with tea leaves isn’t new to me. In August of 2011 I made these insanely delicious Pistachio-Chai Muffins with Chai tea leaves in the muffin batter, so I was pretty excited when I found a shortbread cookie chock-full of Earl Grey…sigh.
I had been searching around Pinterest for Earl Grey recipes, because I couldn’t get a photo I pinned of Earl Grey ice cream out of my mind…seriously WHERE can I get this?! And when this shortbread recipe popped up, I knew it was getting added to the short list of recipes to make. I find myself missing my time living in England, and seriously, could an Earl Grey tea and shortbread recipe be more British? I think not!
So off I went to research the recipe. First off, it was ridiculous how easy it was. You need a food processor to mix the dough together, and in a few seconds the dough is done. Second, it doesn’t require many ingredients, most of which I already have on hand. Gotta love that! Plus it is great for keeping me from exceeding my budget. That is all thanks to Claire Robinson (from the Food Network), whose recipes I love because they only require 5 ingredients or less and do not skimp on flavor!
All I can say is yum! I loved these cookies. They had the same texture I remembered with shortbread, and when they are baking, you can really smell the tea flavors. It’s a nice, subtle flavor though (sort of lemon-y too), so you won’t be overwhelmed by it at all. Don’t get the wrong impression…this is not a healthy cookie with sugar and butter being 2 key components, but dang is it good! And how fancy do you seem when you share these cookies with your friends and family?! I can assure you the answer is: Very!
I can’t wait for you to try your hand at Earl Grey Shortbread. Click here for the recipe and step by step instructions!
A look back:
One Year Ago: Broccoli Cheese Soup…Delish!
Two Years Ago: All You Need is Love…And Cinnamon Rolls! (In My Humble Opinion)
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