Simple Tea Cookies
Simple tea cookies are a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth treat that pairs beautifully with your favourite tea. This simple, shortbread-style cookie is small, delicate, a hint of whole wheat flour, perfect for dipping and easily customizable, making it an elegant addition to any occasion. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with a friend, having tea and cookies is a wonderful way to slow down, connect, and savour the simple pleasures of life.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter 100g
- 1/4 cup Sugar 50g
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 cup White Flour 100g
- 1/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour 40g
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Start by creaming room-temperature butter until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the whole wheat flour, white flour, and salt. Stir until a dough forms. If you're adding any flavourings (like spices, nuts, fruits or zest), fold them into the dough now.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface and roll it into a log, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough log in cling wrap or parchment paper, twisting the ends to secure. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice and Bake: Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-1/2 inch rounds using a sharp knife. Place them an inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have golden, crisp edges.
- Cool: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Enjoy: Serve your delicious tea cookies with a hot cup of your favourite tea! Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Notes
Tea Cookie Flavour Variations
- Vanilla Bean: For a vanilla bean cookie, replace vanilla extract with the paste from half a vanilla bean pod (about 1/4 tsp).
- Cranberry Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon and 1/4 cup of chopped dried cranberries for a refreshing, tangy twist.
- Mocha: A tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of ground coffee will give your cookies a delicious mocha flavor, perfect for pairing with coffee or chocolate teas.
- Nutmeg: Use 1/4 tsp of freshly grated nutmeg, or ground nutmeg for a warm, aromatic spice that complements any tea.
- Toasted Pecan: Add 1/4 cup of chopped, toasted pecans for a nutty, buttery crunch. This variation is a personal favourite.
- Orange: The zest of a navel orange will infuse the cookies with a bright citrus flavour that pairs wonderfully with light or fruity teas.