Earl Grey Cookies with Pink Lemon Glaze

Earl Grey Cookies with Pink Lemon Glaze are a charming fusion of floral sophistication and sweet indulgence. Infused with the aromatic essence of Earl Grey tea and finished with a vibrant lemon glaze in soft blush hues, these cookies offer a delightful twist on classic tea-time treats. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon teas, or thoughtful gifts, each cookie is as beautiful as it is flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies strike a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The ground Earl Grey tea leaves lend a subtle bergamot fragrance that’s earthy and refined, while the soft, chewy texture makes each bite deeply satisfying. The pink lemon glaze adds a zesty pop of citrus and visual appeal, transforming simple cookies into a dessert fit for celebrations or serene tea moments. They’re easy to make, eye-catching, and uniquely delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from about 4 tea bags)

For the pink lemon glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1–2 drops pink gel food coloring (or beet powder for a natural option)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea leaves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop the dough into balls (approximately 1.5 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. Add food coloring or beet powder until the desired pink hue is achieved.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 210 kcal

Variations

• Citrus Swap: Replace lemon juice with orange or blood orange for a different citrus profile in the glaze.
• Spice Add-In: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth and complexity.
• Glaze-Free Option: Omit the glaze and sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar before baking for a simpler finish.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Shape Variety: Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters for a more decorative presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To preserve freshness longer, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers.

Freezing:
Unbaked dough can be frozen in balls and stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen without the glaze, then glazed after thawing.

Reheating:
Cookies can be briefly warmed in a microwave for a few seconds to soften, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

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

Yes, just make sure the tea is finely ground so it incorporates smoothly into the dough.

How do I get the perfect chewy texture?

Do not overbake the cookies—remove them when the centers are just set for a soft, chewy interior.

Is the pink glaze just for looks?

No, it also adds a citrus brightness that complements the subtle tea flavor beautifully.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and chilled, or frozen for longer storage.

What type of food coloring should I use?

Gel food coloring provides vibrant color with minimal moisture. Beet powder is a natural alternative.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

They strike a balanced sweetness. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired, though it may affect texture.

Can I use Earl Grey with lavender or other added flavors?

Absolutely, as long as it’s culinary-safe and ground finely enough.

What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?

Use a spoon or piping bag with a small tip for controlled, decorative drizzling.

Do these cookies spread much?

They spread moderately. Chilling the dough slightly before baking can help control the shape.

Can I add lemon zest to the cookie dough?

Yes, lemon zest adds a lovely citrus aroma and pairs well with the tea flavor.

Conclusion

Earl Grey Cookies with Pink Lemon Glaze are a refined and flavorful treat that elevates everyday baking into something truly special. With their fragrant tea notes, chewy texture, and zesty, colorful glaze, these cookies are perfect for entertaining, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with tea. Beautiful to behold and delicious to eat, they’re a memorable addition to any dessert spread.

Earl Grey Cookies with Pink Lemon Glaze

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Elegant and sweet, these Earl Grey Cookies with Pink Lemon Glaze combine the floral notes of tea with zesty lemon icing in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for tea parties, spring celebrations, or when you want a bakery-style treat at home. Pretty, aromatic, and full of charm!

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert / Cookies
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / Tea-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (about 4 tea bags)

For the Pink Lemon Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp lemon juice

• 1-2 drops pink gel food coloring (or beet powder for natural color)

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Instructions

1. Prep Oven & Pans:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter & Sugars:
   In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
   Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea.

5. Form the Dough:
   Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

6. Shape & Bake:
   Scoop dough into 1.5 tbsp balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
   Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and golden. Cool completely on wire racks.

7. Make Glaze:
   Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Stir in pink coloring for a soft pastel hue.

8. Decorate:
   Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Let set for 15–20 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

• Cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container.

• For extra lemon flavor, add ½ tsp lemon zest to the glaze.

• These cookies freeze well—glaze after thawing for best presentation.

Nutrition

• Calories: 210 kcal per cookie