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You'll never believe where we are right now!
And if you're guessing London...
Nope! That's not it.
But you're pretty darn close.
Okay, I'm teasing you a little. We're actually sitting at the airport, waiting for our flight to be called. Yes, to London!
Scott and I are super excited to be heading across the pond to visit our daughter, her husband and, what we call, "the herd" - their four children, Annie, Ellie, Lilly and little Luke.
I decided to make some fun cookies to honor the occasion. While perusing though Pinterest several weeks ago, I spotted these London Fog Shortbread Cookies , and, being a hopeless sucker for shortbread, I knew they were a "must try". I could hardly wait to get started!
Are you curious to know out why they were given the name London Fog Shortbread? I was. What would make them different from other shortbread cookies? I was quite intrigued, as I've made lots of different versions of shortbread over the years, and I knew shortbread cookies have a super simple ingredient list. Butter, sugar and flour - that's usually pretty much it. A little salt and vanilla rounds out the flavor.
But tea? Earl Grey tea? Yup, that's exactly what makes these cookies so fun (and also uniquely delicious). Earl Grey tea has been around (especially popular in England) since the early 1800's. It's a black tea flavored with the oil from the rind of the bergamot orange, commonly grown in Italy. It was named after Earl Grey, a British Prime Minister in the 1830's.
It might sound a bit odd to have tea as an ingredient in cookies, but they're quite wonderful. The orange scented tea gives just a touch of a sweet fruity-floral essence to the simple butter cookies. And to me, just the name alone makes them worthy of pulling out the mixer!
We'll be out of the country for two and a half weeks but we've been busy photo shooting and stashing lots of new recipes into our coffers so you'll continue to receive posts while we're gone. In fact, I almost forgot to tell you - you'll actually be coming along! What? Yup, stay tuned - we'll be sharing our trip via the blog so it will be just like you're right there with us!
Oh, and while I'm spilling the beans, there's one other thing...
Scott and I will have known each other for 40 years this year. We'll actually be celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary but decided to commemorate the incredible blessing of 40 years together -with a week in Paris! Yup, in the middle of our London visit, we'll be hopping on the Eurostar and heading to France. We've rented a flat right in the heart of Paris and will be blogging our way through the famous "city of light". We've got some fun culinary adventures planned as well as lots of time to explore. So fasten your seat belts, you're coming along to Paris too!
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- 1 cup softened butter (2 4-ounce sticks)
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ¾ cup flour
- 1 vanilla bean split and scraped or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste*)
- 1 tablespoons Earl Grey tea (about 1-2 teabags)
- sandling sugar or turbinado sugar for sprinkling
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Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper for easy clean up.
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In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar till fluffy. Add the vanilla bean paste, the flour and the tea leaves. Mix until dough comes together.
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Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 mins.
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Roll out the dough to about ½-inch on a lightlyl floured surface. I like to use two ⅜-inch dowels (mine are about 16 inches long) on the counter with my dough between them. When I roll the dough, the dowels keep it from getting too thin or uneven.
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Cut out desired shapes with cutters. Place on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with handling sugar or turbinado sugar.
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Chill the cut cookies for 20 minutes before baking. This will help keep the cookies from spreading when they hit the heat.
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Bake for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges are just barely brown. Cool on wire racks.
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These cookies freeze well in an air tight container.
*I love vanilla bean paste and keep a jar of it in my pantry it at all times. It's so handy and it doesn't dry out like vanilla pods do. To me, it's also so... much cheaper than buying the vanilla bean pods and there's no scraping, just measure it and and pour it in.
Carm says
Hi Chris I’m going to use Vanilla extract so would it be 1 tbsp or more or less to achieve the same result? Thanks PS just to
Let you know my other comments I don’t see so not sure if your kinks are all fixed but I appreciate your email reply.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Carm, I would use 2 teaspoons of extract.
Carm says
Hi Chris I love shortbread and I have a freind who loves the London Fog @Starbucks so I’m going to surprise her with your cookies. How much does this recipe make and can you clarify please why it says it takes 9hrs and 11 min to cook? I read your recipe and it doesn’t say anything about refrigerating it overnight so I’m a little confused so just want to clarify before I make them. Thanks
Carm says
Hi Chris so glad to see your recipe have a freind that is crazy for the London fog drink. Chris how many cookies does this recipe make ? Also it says it takes 9 hrs and 11 min to make?
Please clarify Thankyou
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Carm, the yield will depend on how thick you roll the dough and what size your cutter is. I get about 2 dozen cookies from this recipe.
The time was not correct. A while back I switched recipe plugins and it messed up all of my times. I've been slowly correcting that but with over 1200 recipes it's taking a while. I have corrected this one now! Thanks!
Diane Rae, Ontario, Canada says
Hi. Chris, I am relatively new to your blog but have already tried a few recipes that have all turned out great and delicious. In your earl grey shortbread recipe you mentioned rolling out your dough between two dowels, could you please explain to me exactly how this is done as I often get uneven cookies. Your blog is absolutely beautiful, showing your presentation of your dishes and I really love the thought of the day and the inspirational music at the end. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, you both sound like a beautiful couple!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Diane for your very kind words.
Regarding rolling out the dough with dowels, you can see a collage of how it's done on this post: https://thecafesucrefarine.com/glazed-shortbread-cutout-cookies/
I have gotten lazy since then though and have one of these rolling pins which makes the whole process SO easy and you don't have to deal with dowels. https://amzn.to/2Ln3Xk8
Cathy Engen says
I made these tonight to be a part of my Christmas cookie trays that my husband gives to his business associates and we also give to family. They turned out beautifully!! I used a star shaped cutter to make them. Just a note for everyone, I did chill the shortbread dough for an hour before I rolled it out; I let it warm up a bit on my counter at room temp, and then rolled out with some plastic wrap on top - worked like a dream; and then I chilled the cut out cookies for 20+ minutes before baking - this chilling step IS A MUST!! Your cookies will spread out if you do not chill them on the cookie sheet for 20 minutes BEFORE you bake them!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your review, Cathy! Merry Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
I'm super happy that you enjoyed them. Thanks so much for sharing your results, Cathy!
Jessica says
I found this while looking for cookies for a cookie exchange tomorrow. I gave them a shot tonight but they flattened out in the oven. I let them chill before putting them in. They were rock solid and I thought they were holding up ok. They kept their shape until about 5 minutes in. What could I be doing wrong?
katherine says
mine flattened out too 🙁
Chris Scheuer says
Hmmm, if you make them again, refrigerate them a bit longer before baking.
Stacy says
Can Baker's Ammonia be used in this short bread recipe? If so, how much?
Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
I'm sorry Stacy I'm not much help with this. I don't even know what Baker's Ammonia is. Maybe one of the other readers could help with this.
Kim says
I have to try these, I need some shortbreads! And with tea, these looks really good! Have a nice trip:)
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Kim! We're very excited to see Paris too!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Sandra said it, you guys are blessed! Have a wonderful time <3
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sue, God is good! We'll be reporting all we see back to you!
Susan says
I'm a sucker for shortbread recipes too. And, I have Earl Grey tea in my pantry! Have a great trip and enjoy your time with your family!
Kahkshan says
Have a fabulous trip Chris and happy Anniversary!
My cousins live in Paris, I can't wait to hear all about your trip!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you so much! We just stepped off the train and are in Paris as I write. It's a gorgeous, sunny spring day!
Sandra says
You and Scott are so incredibly blessed! You're also very generous to take time out of your holiday to share your vacations with us. Looking forward to all you share!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sandra! We serve such a great God; through tough times and beautiful times like these. Stay tuned - lots more to come!
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
Oh you lucky things!! I'm so envious, but so very happy for you both! A very well-deserved holiday and I cannot wait to see your pictures! These shortbread are absolutely stunning, and I just happen to love Earl Grey tea, although I don't have it very often. My Typhoo holds the throne in my kitchen for everyday cuppas! 🙂
Enjoy your trip and can't wait to follow along!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Christina! The weather over here has been just beautiful; cool in London, but pretty days. Paris is supposed to be gorgeous the first three days too; in the mid 70s!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
Happy Anniversary Chris and Scott. I love that you will be spending it in Paris. So romantic.
Oh, and your cookies look delish.
Chris Scheuer says
It is! Thank you Madonna!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Monique. We'll be on doing things on Facebook and Instagram too! Stay tuned!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Have a wonderful trip Chris! I know you will enjoy your grandchildren - can't wait to see their gorgeous pictures. Great shortbread recipe - they are beautiful cookies. Happy travels!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Tricia!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Beautiful cookies! My daughter is a regular consumer of Starbuck's London Fog, so I'm familiar with the flavour. It's a winner! Have a wonderful trip 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Jennifer! They are delicious, and kind of a fun version of traditional shortbread.
Elaine Steinberg says
These look fab and I will definately be trying this recipe. Being Scottish I adore Shortbread. But have never tried the vanilla bean addition . How exciting you are in London. ....the weather is wonderful at the moment, unseasonally warm, so lots of nice outings with "the Herd" for you. We are also celebrating our 27th wedding in Paris next week and looking forward to visiting our favourite restuarants for some culinary delights and fine wines..
Have a wonderful vacation.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Elaine! Wow, we may need to eat an eclair together!
Cathleen | My Culinary Mission says
These look wonderful! Love shortbread. Have a beautiful time visiting your family, and celebrating an awesome forty years! Looking forward to the trip posts!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Cathleen, for your best wishes. It truly has been an awesome 40 years!
Ginny Hartzler says
Happy Happy anniversary! And i know it will be... in the most romantic city in the world! I loved finding out about Earl Grey, I had no idea! and we are big tea drinkers. I cannot wait to go along with you on your trip, thank you kindly.
Chris Scheuer says
You're so kind Ginny, thank you very much!
Betsy says
These look delicious and so different!
Have a wonderful trip and Happy 40 years!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Betsy!
Nancy M Carlson says
Hi Chris,
Your blog is beautiful as usual.
I can't wait to read about your
vacation.
Sincerely,
Nancy
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for your encouragement Nancy! We are very excited! Expect lots of pictures and fun experiences!
Wendy says
I love it all! I love shortbread and have been a fan of tea infused shortbread for awhile now.Lots of Earl Grey in my tea cabinet! 🙂 I always love your family in London posts. I love that you are off to Paris for your 40th year of togetherness! AND I love that Eiffel Tower shortbread cookie! 🙂 Safe and joyous travels, Chris and Scott!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Wendy! We are really excited too. Today was our first day with the family and it was wonderful, despite jetlag.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love shortbread, these look simply irresistible! Have a wonderful trip, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Laura!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Lucky you to get to play with the grands again so soon! This will show my age probably but London Fog means a raincoat to me. 🙂
Unless I'm IN London and it means looking outside.
Have a great time and take lots of photos for us!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Maureen! We will!
Kahkshan says
LOL Maureen, exactly the same, London Fog is all about coats. My mother was always getting me to shop with her to find the perfect London Fog coat 😉