These early grey, orange, and lavender sugar cookies are a delicate combination of floral, zesty, and aromatic flavors that sing of springtime.
These flavors are simple on their own but, together, create a fragrant sugar cookie that is hard to forget.
The floral notes of lavender, zesty orange, and smoky citrus of Earl Grey perfectly complement the tender texture of the classic cookie.
These sugar cookies are the ideal springtime treat and also perfect for a tea party. Your guests are bound to ask for the recipe for this easy twist on a classic cookie. You can even go a step further and package these up to make delicious party favors.
Why you will love this Sugar Cookies recipe…
Earl Grey, Orange, and Lavender Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (about 2 tea bags) finely ground
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- A pinch of crushed lavender for garnish
- A sprinkle of orange zest
Instructions
Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and crushed lavender.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Combine the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest and drizzle it in slowly, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters or simply shape the dough into rounds. Place the cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should stay soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice together until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with a pinch of crushed lavender and orange zest for a beautiful finishing touch.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best served with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for entertaining guests or even children’s birthdays.
Here are a few drinks you could whip up to pair with these sugar cookies:
🧑🍳 Expert Tips
Storage Suggestions
Sugar Cookies FAQs
What makes sugar cookies different?
Sugar cookies have a high butter-to-sugar ratio, which gives them the snap that a soft cookie lacks. This makes them sturdy enough to decorate.
What does butter do for cookies?
Butter contributes a rich flavor, but it also plays a key role in the texture of your cookie. It creates a tender texture, and the quantity determines how much the cookies spread out or hold their shape.
Are sugar cookies soft or hard?
Sugar cookies should be firm enough to hold their shape, but once you bite down on them, they should be soft and crumble easily. If your sugar cookies are hard, you have either overmixed the dough or overcooked them.
