Name: Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 180 g all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 Earl Grey tea bag (cut open, or 1 tablespoon loose tea leaves); 115 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 150 g granulated sugar; 50 g brown sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 tablespoon vanilla paste; 30 g granulated sugar (for rolling); 40 g powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 teaspoons lemon juice (for glaze)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

If you are searching for a truly special treat to brighten your tea time or dessert tray, look no further than the delightful Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe. This charming combination brings together the subtle floral and bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea with the sweet, buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies, all topped with a zesty lemon glaze that adds a fresh, tangy finish. Each bite is both comforting and elegant, making these cookies a wonderful way to impress friends or simply indulge yourself with a sophisticated flavor twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass mixing bowls sit side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl holds light brown crumbly dough with an egg yolk, egg white, and a small pool of dark vanilla liquid in the center, showing three layers: crumbly dough around the edges, the bright yellow egg yolk and clear white on one side, and the dark vanilla liquid on the other. The right bowl shows the same mixture after stirring, now a smooth, light brown dough with a soft, slightly sticky texture forming a small mound in the middle with scraped sides. Small green succulent plants in brown pots are seen in the top background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating these scrumptious Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe. Each element is straightforward but essential, working together to build layers of rich flavor, tender texture, and that sunny pop of citrusy glaze.

All-purpose flour (180 g): The sturdy base that gives cookies their structure and tender crumb.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, soft bite.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside the powder to create the perfect texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Earl Grey tea leaves (from 1 tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose): Infuses the dough with the unmistakable bergamot aroma and subtle floral notes.
Unsalted butter (115 g, softened): Adds richness and tenderness, essential for melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Granulated sugar (150 g + 30 g): Sweetens the dough and is also used for rolling to give a lovely sparkle and slight crunch.
Brown sugar (50 g): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moisture for chewiness.
Egg (1 large, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla paste (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavors with a warm, deep vanilla note.
Powdered sugar (40 g): Smooth, delicate sweetness for the luscious lemon glaze.
Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Brightens the glaze, giving the cookies their refreshing citrus kick.

How to Make Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the aromatic Earl Grey tea leaves in a medium bowl. Stir everything together well to ensure the tea is evenly dispersed, setting the stage for that signature gentle bergamot flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer. Aim for a light, fluffy texture and pale color—that indicates your base is perfectly aerated, which helps create delightfully tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, blend in the egg and vanilla paste until fully combined. This step enriches the dough and helps tenderize the final cookie while adding subtle background flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Mixture

Reduce your mixer speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Once most of the flour is mixed in, finish folding the dough by hand with a spatula to avoid overworking it. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so gentle handling is key here.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill Dough

Use a 4-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out rounds of dough onto a parchment-lined board. Chill these dough balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until they are firm but not sticky—this resting step helps control spreading in the oven for perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, roll each chilled dough ball between your hands to smooth it out, then roll in granulated sugar to coat evenly, creating a sparkling exterior once baked.

Step 7: Bake and Shape Cookies

Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a soft golden brown while the centers remain slightly underdone. This slight underbaking ensures a chewy, tender middle. Right after removing from the oven, gently swirl each cookie with a large cookie cutter or an inverted bowl to round out any uneven edges—the cookies remain soft enough to shape without breaking.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This gradual cooling helps set their shape and texture perfectly.

Lemon Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until you reach a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies using a piping bag or spoon, letting the citrusy glaze add a bright, tangy contrast that complements the Earl Grey tea beautifully.

How to Serve Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Round cookies arranged on a wooden board, each cookie light golden brown with a soft texture showing small dark specks within. The cookies have thin white icing drizzled in neat diagonal lines across the top. The background is a white marbled surface with some dark crumbs scattered. The image is taken up close, focusing on the cookies' texture and icing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elegant finish, sprinkle a few finely grated lemon zest strips or tiny edible blossoms atop the glaze. These simple touches enhance the citrus notes and add a lovely visual appeal, turning your cookies into stunning little treats.

Side Dishes

Pair these refined cookies with a classic cup of hot Earl Grey tea for a flavor echo, or try a glass of chilled lemon-infused sparkling water to keep your palate refreshed. Their delicate sweetness also works nicely alongside light fruit salads or fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with thin lemon slices interspersed between each one. You might also gift-wrap a stack tied with a soft ribbon for a personal touch that feels both thoughtful and luxurious — a perfect homemade gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The glaze may soften slightly over time but the flavor only intensifies with a little rest.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked, glazed cookies between parchment layers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If desired, warm cookies briefly in a low oven (around 300°F for 5 minutes) to soften them and revive that fresh-baked aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can cause glaze melting and uneven warming.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tea instead of Earl Grey?

Absolutely! While Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor is unique, you can experiment with other black teas, like jasmine or chamomile, for a different but delicious twist — just be mindful of their stronger or more delicate flavor profiles.

Will these cookies be chewy or crispy?

These cookies are meant to have a tender, chewy center with slightly crisp edges. Baking just until edges are golden and leaving the centers a little underdone is the secret to that perfect balance.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, with some recipe adjustments. A gluten-free all-purpose blend can be substituted 1:1, but check to ensure it contains xanthan gum or add some for structure. Texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Can I skip the lemon glaze?

You can, of course! The cookies taste wonderful on their own, with the Earl Grey flavor shining through, but the glaze adds a bright contrast that really lifts the overall experience.

How do I store these cookies for gift-giving?

Layer them between parchment or wax paper in a sturdy tin or box, then seal well to maintain freshness. Adding a few silica gel packets helps avoid moisture and keeps them crisp en route to their lucky recipient.

Final Thoughts

If you have a soft spot for anything tea-inspired or you love baking something a little different to surprise your loved ones, the Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe is a must-try. This recipe manages to be simple, elegant, and utterly delicious all at once, guaranteed to brighten up any snack time or special occasion with its unique flavors and tender textures. Go ahead and whip up a batch—you won’t regret sharing these charming cookies with friends and family.