Name: Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 All Purpose Gluten Free Flour; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/4 cup agave syrup or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon Earl Grey tea; Scant 1/8 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup white granulated sugar; 1/3 cup light corn syrup; 1/3 cup water; 1 drop vegetable oil; 1/8 teaspoon lemon oil, optional for flavor; 15-20 small dried edible flowers and leaves

Why Make This Recipe

Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of Earl Grey tea with a charming and artistic appearance. These cookies are not only vegan and gluten-free, but they also add a touch of elegance to any occasion. The stained glass effect is created using colorful edible flowers, making them perfect for a garden party, birthday celebration, or a simple afternoon tea. In addition to being visually appealing, these cookies are also a sweet indulgence that can fit various dietary needs, making them a great option for everyone to enjoy.

How to Make Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies

Making these cookies is both a fun and straightforward process. You’ll love how simple it is to create beautiful cookies right in your kitchen. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare them.

Ingredients

1 cup Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 All Purpose Gluten Free Flour
1/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup agave syrup or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon Earl Grey tea (*see notes)
Scant 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup white granulated sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1 drop vegetable oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon oil, optional for flavor
15-20 small dried edible flowers and leaves (*see notes)

Directions

The Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 All Purpose Gluten Free Flour and 1/4 cup of almond flour. Mix these two flours together well.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of agave syrup (or maple syrup), and scant 1/8 teaspoon of almond extract. Slowly blend this wet mixture into the dry flour mix until a soft dough forms.
Add the Earl Grey Flavors: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves into the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to roll out later.
Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, dust a clean surface with a little gluten-free flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin.
Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the rolled dough. You can use traditional shapes like stars, hearts, or flowers.
Create the Stained Glass Effect: For each cookie shape, cut out a smaller shape from the center using a smaller cookie cutter. This will create the stained glass section of the cookie.
Prepare the Candy Mixture: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of white granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/3 cup of water. Heat this over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
Add Color (Optional): If you want, you can add a drop of food coloring to this mixture to create vibrant stained glass effects.
Fill the Cookie Centers: Once the mixture is ready, carefully fill the cut-out sections of the cookies with this candy mixture. Be careful as it will be very hot!
Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Decorate with Flowers: After taking them out of the oven, immediately place your small dried edible flowers and leaves around the edges of the cookies while they are still warm. They will stick to the edges as they cool.
Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This will ensure the stained glass centers harden properly.
Enjoy: Once cooled and set, your Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies are ready to be served!

How to Serve Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies

These stunning cookies can be served in many delightful ways. Arrange them on a beautiful serving plate and garnish with fresh herbs or additional edible flowers for a visually appealing presentation. They make a lovely addition to any dessert table at events like bridal showers, birthdays, or afternoon tea gatherings. Paired with a cup of Earl Grey tea or any other herbal tea, these cookies provide an enjoyable tasting experience.

How to Store Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies

Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the flavors by adding other extract options like vanilla or lemon.
Choose Your Flowers: Ensure that the edible flowers you choose are safe for consumption. You can use pansies, violets, or marigolds for their vibrant colors.
Watch the Candy Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to know when the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature. This is important for achieving the right texture in the stained glass effect.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies to ensure that they don’t get too dark during baking.

Variation

For a fun twist, you can turn these cookies into chocolate Earl Grey Stained Glass Cookies. Just substitute a portion of the gluten-free flour with cocoa powder and adjust the sweetness as needed. You can also use dark chocolate chips mixed into the dough for added flavor!

FAQs

Can I Substitute the Coconut Oil?

Yes! You can substitute coconut oil with vegan butter or any neutral vegetable oil if you prefer, but this may slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.

Are the Edible Flowers Necessary for the Recipe?

While the edible flowers add visual flair and make the cookies look beautiful, you can still enjoy the cookies without them. They will taste just as delicious!

Can I Use Other Types of Tea?

Absolutely! You can explore using other flavored teas like chai or jasmine green tea. Just make sure to adjust the amount according to how strong you want the flavor in the cookies.

How do I know when the candy mixture is ready?

You can tell the candy mixture is ready when it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can drop a small amount into cold water; it should form a hard ball.

By following these simple steps, you will create beautiful Earl Grey Stained Glass Floral Cookies that will impress everyone. Enjoy the process and the taste!