Name: Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 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 extract; 30 g granulated sugar (for rolling); 40 g powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you love a cookie that’s bursting with elegant flavors yet comforting and cozy, you absolutely have to try this Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe. These delightful treats combine the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with the bright zing of a fresh lemon glaze, creating a perfect balance of warmth and refreshing sweetness. They’re crisp around the edges with a tender, chewy center that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a tea party, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is a total winner that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two side-by-side images of a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left, the bowl holds a crumbly, light beige mixture with a bright yellow egg yolk and a small dark brown liquid (vanilla extract) added on top, showing three layers: the crumbly base, the yellow yolk pool on the left side, and the dark brown liquid near the yolk. On the right, the bowl contains a evenly mixed, soft, light brown dough with a smooth and slightly sticky texture, filling most of the bowl’s inside surface. In the background, small green plants and a brown ceramic pot are slightly visible at the top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe comes from using simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create something truly special. Each element plays its part—from the dry tea leaves adding aromatic depth to the mix of sugars that give texture and sweetness, all finished off with a vibrant lemon glaze that ties everything together.

All-purpose flour (180 g): Provides the perfect structure and tenderness for the cookies.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the acid in lemon juice to give a subtle lift.
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 that signature bergamot aroma that defines this cookie.
Unsalted butter (115 g, softened): Creamed for richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar (150 g): Adds classic sweetness and some crunch to the dough.
Brown sugar (50 g): Brings a hint of caramel flavor and moisture for chewiness.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together while adding softness.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Granulated sugar (for rolling, 30 g): Creates a sparkling coating that gives a pretty finish and slight crunch.
Powdered sugar (40 g): Key to the silky, smooth lemon glaze.
Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Adds refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly in the glaze.

How to Make Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the carefully extracted Earl Grey tea leaves in a medium bowl. This dry mixture forms the flavor base for your cookies, so be sure to stir everything evenly to disperse the fragrant bergamot throughout each bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter until it’s pale and creamy. Then add both granulated and brown sugar, beating on medium speed until fluffy, about three minutes. This step is crucial because it creates the light texture and sweetness your cookies need to shine.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just blended. The vanilla adds an extra layer of sweetness that beautifully complements the tea’s citrus notes, and the egg gives your dough structure and moisture for wonderfully chewy cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet

Add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients gradually, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. A quick final fold with a spatula ensures the dough is uniform without toughening it.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill the Dough

Line a cutting board with parchment and scoop out cookie dough balls using a 4-tablespoon scoop. Chill in the fridge for around 15 minutes until the dough firms up slightly, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking and Roll in Sugar

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once chilled, roll each dough ball between your hands to smooth, then roll generously in granulated sugar. The sugar coating creates a sparkling crust that adds a lovely texture contrast.

Step 7: Bake and Shape

Bake your cookies for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a gentle golden brown but the centers remain soft. Right after removing them from the oven, gently swirl each cookie with a cookie cutter or an inverted bowl to round out any uneven edges, giving them that perfect bakery finish.

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 cooling time lets the centers set into chewy perfection while keeping the edges satisfyingly crisp.

Step 9: Make and Drizzle the Lemon Glaze

Mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until you get a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over each cooled cookie using a spoon or piping bag. The glaze adds a fresh, tangy brightness that perfectly contrasts the floral tea flavors.

How to Serve Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

The image shows a group of round cookies with a light golden brown color and a crumbly texture, placed on a wooden surface. Each cookie is decorated with thin white icing lines drizzled over the top. In the center, three cookies are stacked on top of each other, showing their thickness and soft interior. One cookie is held upright behind the stack, broken in half to reveal its soft and slightly coarse inside. The background has a soft focus with green plants in white mugs and a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling a bit of finely grated lemon zest over the glaze just after drizzling. This adds an extra pop of citrus aroma and a colorful finishing touch, making your Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe really stand out on the serving platter.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of your favorite tea—of course, even more Earl Grey! A light, floral white tea or a bright green tea also complements the flavor profile beautifully without overpowering the delicate lemon glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon slices and edible flowers for a charming, inviting display. You can also stack them with parchment paper layers between to create an eye-catching tower, perfect for gifting or a stylish tea party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their beautiful chewy texture for up to 4 days, making them an ideal treat to enjoy across the week.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by lining them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to an airtight bag or container. When ready, bake from frozen with an extra minute or two in the oven. Baked cookies freeze well too—just seal them tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. The warmth helps bring out the flavors and softens the glaze slightly for a luscious bite.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Using loose Earl Grey leaves often gives even more robust flavor than tea bags. Just measure about one tablespoon to replace one tea bag as detailed in this Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?

If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a high-speed blender until it’s superfine. However, this glaze works best with smooth, finely powdered sugar to achieve that silky texture.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough balls before baking helps them hold their shape beautifully. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate—too low may cause excessive spreading, so 350°F is ideal for this recipe.

Can I substitute lemon juice with another citrus?

Yes! While lemon pairs perfectly with Earl Grey, you can experiment with lime or even orange juice for a different but equally delicious twist on the glaze in this Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Definitely. Baked Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze store well in the freezer. Just keep them in an airtight container and let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress with a cookie that feels both fancy and homey, this Earl Grey Sugar Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. The blend of fragrant tea and bright lemon glaze creates a cookie that’s fresh, flavorful, and just plain delightful to share. Grab your ingredients and enjoy baking these charming treats—you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again!