Chewy Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare Baking Sheets and Sugar

Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your half-sheet pans with parchment paper to ensure your cookies can be easily removed after baking. Measure out 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and set it aside in a small bowl. This sugar will be used later to give your cookies a sweet, crystallized edge.

2. Infuse Butter with Earl Grey Tea

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with the finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Once the butter starts to sizzle, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This process is crucial as it captures the essence of Earl Grey, enveloping your cookies in its distinctive, citrusy flavor.

3. Mix Infused Butter with Sugars and Flavorings

In a large bowl, take the cooled tea butter and mix it with 150 grams of granulated sugar, light brown sugar, kosher salt, and the orange zest for about 30 seconds. Combining these ingredients thoroughly is key as it allows the flavors to marry and the tea to permeate the butter, ensuring every bite of your cookies is infused with the depth of Earl Grey.

4. Add Egg and Vanilla

Once the mixture looks grainy and slightly separated, it's time to add a touch of richness with the large egg and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix these into your butter and sugar concoction for another 30 seconds, just until everything is well incorporated.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Introduce the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the bowl. Using a mixer or spatula, gently combine these dry ingredients with the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Be mindful not to overmix, as this could lead to a tougher cookie texture.

6. Shape and Sugar the Dough Balls

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, portion out the dough. Roll each dough ball in the reserved granulated sugar, ensuring a light coating that will crystallize beautifully in the oven.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, giving them space to spread. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16 to 19 minutes, making sure to rotate the sheets halfway through for an even golden hue.

8. Cool and Store

Once baked to perfection, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets. This rest period allows the cookies to set and develop their chewy texture. When completely cool, transfer the cookies to an airtight container where they can be stored and savored for up to 3 days, or freeze them to extend their shelf life.