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Chewy, buttery, and delicately floral, these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are infused with real tea leaves and finished with a touch of sparkle. The flavor is inspired by a London Fog—a cozy drink made from Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a splash of vanilla.

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I originally made these cookies for my six-year-old’s tea party, where each treat was named after one of her friends. Naturally, when one of the guests was named London, I had to create a London Fog Cookie. It was an instant favorite with the girls—especially little Miss London herself.

More Recipes You'll Love For Tea Parties: 

• Blueberry Coffee Cake
• Brown Butter Espresso Toffee Cookies
• Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Lavender Glaze

Why You’ll Love These Earl Grey Cookies

These aren’t your average sugar cookies. The finely ground Earl Grey tea infuses the dough with soft floral and citrus notes, while the extra egg yolk adds richness and a chewy bite. Rolled in coarse sugar for a subtle crunch and optionally drizzled with vanilla icing, they're a cookie you’ll want to keep in your rotation year-round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (or cane sugar)
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves, (about 3–4 tea bags)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Topping

• 1/4 cup (50g) sanding sugar, coarse sugar, or cane sugar for rolling

Optional Vanilla Drizzle

• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step creates that soft, tender texture we want in a sugar cookie.

2. Add Eggs and Flavor

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and ground Earl Grey tea. Beat until fully combined.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Scoop and Roll

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls and roll each one in coarse sugar. You can place cookie dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.

7. Bake

Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool. Let the cookies rest in on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer them to a cooling rack to continue to cool.

8. Optional: Add Vanilla Drizzle

Once the cookies are completely cool, whisk together the icing ingredients and drizzle over the tops for an elegant finish.

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Baking Tips

• Use high-quality Earl Grey tea for the best flavor—look for loose-leaf varieties with bergamot oil.
• If you like stronger tea flavor, finely grind the tea leaves in a spice grinder or food processor or increase to 1.5 tablespoons of tea
• Try a lemon zest or lavender twist for added complexity.

Perfect For

• Afternoon tea parties
• Edible holiday gifts
• Cozy baking days
• Anyone who loves floral, citrusy desserts

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do Earl Grey cookies taste like?

These cookies have a buttery, vanilla-forward sugar cookie base with a floral, citrusy twist from the bergamot in Earl Grey tea. They're cozy, slightly sophisticated, and perfect for tea lovers.

2. Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf Earl Grey?

Yes! Just cut open 3–4 Earl Grey tea bags and grind the leaves finely before adding to your dough.

3. What is a London Fog flavor?

A London Fog is a warm drink made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. This cookie mimics that flavor profile—floral, creamy, and comforting.

4. Do you have to grind the tea for Earl Grey cookies?

Grinding the tea ensures the leaves blend smoothly into the dough and release their full flavor without creating a gritty texture.

5. Can I make Earl Grey cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, or frozen for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the baked cookies.

6. Can I add lemon or lavender to Earl Grey cookies?

Absolutely! Add 1 tsp lemon zest or 1/2 tsp dried culinary lavender for a bright or floral variation that complements the tea flavor.

7. Are Earl Grey cookies caffeinated?

Yes—Earl Grey tea contains caffeine, though a small amount per cookie. You can use decaf Earl Grey for a caffeine-free version.

8. How long do Earl Grey sugar cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for 4–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

9. What desserts go well with Earl Grey tea?

Light, buttery desserts like shortbread, lemon bars, lavender scones, or vanilla bean cake pair beautifully with Earl Grey.

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