Amazing Browned Butter Earl Grey Cookies

Summary

In this episode of 'Preppy Kitchen,' John Kanell shares his recipe for delicious browned butter Earl Grey cookies. The process involves infusing butter with Earl Grey tea and cardamom for rich, aromatic flavors. The dough is made with a mix of the infused butter, regular butter, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and flour, creating a shortbread-like texture. After chilling and rolling the dough, it's baked to perfection. A glaze with orange zest, cardamom, and butter completes the treat. The result is a delicate, flavorful cookie with a unique combination of Earl Grey, orange, and browned butter.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brown butter is essential to creating a rich, flavorful base for the Earl Grey cookies.
• 😀 Finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves are used to infuse the cookies with flavor without large chunks of tea leaves.
• 😀 Vanilla bean or vanilla extract can be added to the browned butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• 😀 A combination of browned butter and regular softened butter creates the perfect consistency for the cookie dough.
• 😀 Cardamom is added to the dough, enhancing the flavor and contributing to the complexity of the cookies.
• 😀 Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps prevent it from sticking and ensures a better texture when baked.
• 😀 The dough is rolled out between parchment paper and can be cut into various shapes, including circles or squares.
• 😀 A glaze made of powdered sugar, cardamom, orange zest, melted butter, and milk is drizzled over the baked cookies.
• 😀 The cookies should be baked at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
• 😀 The final cookies offer a balance of flavors, including orange, Earl Grey, browned butter, and cardamom, resulting in a delicious treat.

Q & A

What is the first step in making the browned butter Earl Grey cookies?

The first step is to brown the butter by melting 1/2 cup (113 grams) of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat and stirring it until it becomes golden with crispy milk solids.

Why is it important to finely grind the Earl Grey tea leaves?

Finely grinding the Earl Grey tea leaves ensures that they can properly infuse into the cookies, avoiding large chunks of tea leaves in the finished product.

What role does the vanilla extract or vanilla bean play in the recipe?

The vanilla extract or vanilla bean adds a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the browned butter and Earl Grey tea in the cookies.

How long should you let the browned butter cool before using it?

After browning the butter, it should be placed in the fridge and stirred every 15 minutes until it cools to a spreadable consistency, which typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Can you substitute other types of tea for the Earl Grey in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Earl Grey tea with other types of tea like English breakfast or Darjeeling. However, Earl Grey's distinct flavor provides a unique character to the cookies.

What is the purpose of adding cornstarch to the cookie dough?

Cornstarch helps to provide structure and a tender crumb, making the cookies more delicate and light, which is ideal for a shortbread-style cookie.

Why is it important to not overwork the cookie dough?

Overworking the dough can result in tougher cookies, so it's essential to mix it just enough until it holds together but still maintains a tender texture.

How do you know when the cookie dough is ready to roll out?

The dough is ready when it holds together and doesn’t crumble when pressed. You can test this by pinching a piece and seeing if it sticks together.

What is the purpose of chilling the dough before rolling it out?

Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out without sticking and ensures that the cookies hold their shape while baking.

How should the cookies be baked and for how long?

The cookies should be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to brown, ensuring a crispy, golden finish.