Delicious Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies Recipe
Are you a tea lover looking for a delicious new recipe to add to your collection? Well, look no further. This Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna cookie recipe is the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth while also enjoying the sophisticated flavors of Earl Grey tea.
With its delicate blend of bergamot and black tea leaves, Earl Grey tea has long been a favorite of aficionados around the world. And now, with this recipe, you can bring that same rich flavor to your baking.
These cookies are a modern twist on traditional Italian Bocca Di Nonna cookies, which are typically made with almonds and anise. By substituting Earl Grey tea for these ingredients, we’ve created a whole new taste sensation that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
So why not give it a try? Whether you’re serving them as an afternoon snack or bringing them to your next gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why you’re going to love the Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies recipe: it is the ultimate cookie experience! The blend of earl grey tea and rich, chocolate ganache is a match made in heaven.
The recipe is easy to follow, but its sophisticated taste will leave your taste buds pleasantly surprised. The flavor profile of these cookies is unique and complex, which makes them perfect for serving at dinner parties or enjoying with a cup of tea on a relaxing afternoon.
For those who want to try something new with the classic cookie recipe, this Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies recipe is just the thing. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a twist on traditional shortbread cookies or even classic chocolate chip cookies.
Plus, this recipe only requires 10 ingredients, including earl grey tea bags and unsweetened cocoa powder, which makes it convenient to make at home whenever the craving strikes. Not to mention, you can customize these cookies by using different types of teas.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to take their cookie game to the next level. Trust me, once you try these Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies, there won’t be any turning back to plain jane cookies.
Ingredient List
Before diving into making these Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients ready with you. These cookies require some basic baking staples along with a few special ingredients that will give them that unique and aromatic flavor. Here is what you need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (about 4 Earl Grey tea bags)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Earl Grey ganache filling, you will need:
- 8 oz. chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 bags Earl Grey tea
Don’t worry if you don’t have Earl Grey tea bags in your pantry, they are easily available in grocery stores and supermarkets. Let’s move on to the next section to learn why this recipe is worth trying.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before starting the recipe, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Infusing the Butter with Earl Grey Tea
In a small saucepan, melt two sticks of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add in 3 bags of Earl Grey tea leaves and continue to stir for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Using a food processor, pulse together 2 cups of finely ground all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the Earl Grey-infused butter with one cup of granulated sugar, until light and fluffy. Add in one large egg, two tablespoons of milk and four teaspoons of vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the flour mixture into the mixing bowl until you have formed a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop out generous tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them into smooth circular shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie as they will expand during baking.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for around 12-15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Step 8: Prepare Earl Grey Ganache
While the cookies are baking, you can prepare your Earl Grey ganache. Start by heating half a cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat and add in four tea bags of Earl Grey tea leaves, before allowing it to steep for five more minutes. Then pour the hot cream through a fine strainer into a separate bowl that already contains six ounces of chopped good quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate pieces. Allow to sit for about five minutes before stirring to combine.
Step 9: Assemble Sandwich Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely on wire racks, spread some Earl Grey ganache in between two cookies to make sandwiches. You may also choose to drizzle ganache over each cookie for decoration or simply dip one half of each cookie into it.
That’s it! You have now successfully made these delicious Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always opportunities to mix things up and create something uniquely your own. Here are a few substitutions and variations you might want to try with the Earl Grey Bocca di Nonna Cookies:
– Flour: If you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. Just be sure to check the packaging for proper measuring ratios.
– Tea: Although we recommend Earl Grey tea for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other tea flavors. Lavender Earl Grey or other fruity teas could make for an interesting twist on this classic recipe.
– Ganache: To add some extra richness to your cookies, try creating a chocolate ganache filling instead of using dark chocolate. Mix 1/4 cup of heavy cream with 4 oz of chopped chocolate and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before filling your cookies.
– Additional flavors: You can use the same basic dough recipe and mix in additional flavors such as chocolate chips or almond paste for a unique twist. Or experiment adding different kinds of tea leaves like chai, peppermint or chamomile!
However you choose to personalize your Bocca di Nonna Cookies recipe, it’s important to remember that baking is all about exploring new tastes and having fun!
Serving and Pairing
These Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna cookies are a perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage, especially tea! The rich and buttery flavor of the cookie perfectly complements the floral notes of the earl grey tea used in this recipe.
For a fancier presentation, serve these cookies on a platter with a teapot and teacups. They’re also great for entertaining guests or as an offering for any tea party.
If you’re feeling indulgent, try pairing these cookies with a rich sandwich cookie filled with dark, satiny ganache made using unsweetened cocoa powder. The chocolatey goodness of the ganache is the perfect counterpart to the floral tones of Earl Grey tea.
Another pairing option could be serving these cookies alongside Italian desserts like chocolate chip, almond lace, shortbread, or even other Earl Grey butter cookies. You can even add an extra touch of decadence by topping each cookie with a dollop of Earl Grey ganache and some lavender Earl grey tea leaves.
Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon treat or serving them at a fancy gathering, these Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna cookies are sure to impress your guests and provide a deliciously satisfying bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the beauty of baking! The aroma of freshly baked cookies coming from the oven is pure comfort! But what if you want to enjoy these earl grey bocca di nonna cookies on a later date? No worries, I’ve got you covered. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to two months. To thaw, remove the cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour or so.
Now, if you’re one of those people who like to plan ahead or can’t resist the deliciousness of these cookies and want to make them ahead of time, I have just the solution for you: you can freeze the cookie dough! Just follow all the steps of the recipe and shape the dough into balls as described in the recipe how-to section. Place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are firm. Then, transfer them into a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
To bake frozen cookie dough, simply preheat your oven and place the frozen dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1-2 minutes longer than you would if using fresh dough.
Reheating these earl grey bocca di nonna cookies is quite easy too. Just pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside again.
In summary, this recipe is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to storing and reheating options. So go ahead, make a big batch, enjoy some now and save some for later!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking, achieving perfect results can be a true challenge. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you make the most delicious Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies you’ve ever tasted. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with your baking skills.
Tip #1: Use High-Quality Ingredients.
To achieve the best results, always use high-quality ingredients. From the flour and sugar to the butter and tea bags, each ingredient plays an important part in the flavor and texture of your cookies. Choose the freshest ingredients available in order to get the most flavor and ensure optimal results.
Tip #2: Keep Your Butter Softened.
Softened butter is key to making the perfect cookie dough. Be sure to remove your butter from the fridge about an hour before starting your recipe so it has plenty of time to come to room temperature. This will ensure that your butter mixes evenly with the other ingredients and creates a smooth dough.
Tip #3: Measure Your Ingredients Correctly.
One of the most crucial steps in baking is measuring your ingredients with precision. Too much or too little of any ingredient can ruin a recipe fast. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients, and invest in a kitchen scale if you want to get really precise.
Tip #4: Chill Your Dough Before Baking.
Once you’ve mixed your dough, it’s important to chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the dough to firm up and prevents it from spreading too much in the oven. If you want perfectly shaped cookies that don’t turn into pancakes, chilling is key.
Tip #5: Pay Attention To The Bake Time.
Different ovens bake differently, so be sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Over-baked cookies will be dry and crumbly, while under-baked ones will be soft and gooey. Take them out of the oven when they are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information you need to make these delicious Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies, there’s no excuse not to give them a try. Trust me when I say that these cookies are worth the effort, and once you take that first bite, you’ll know what I mean.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe and add your own spin to it, maybe by substituting the Earl Grey tea for lavender Earl Grey or using a different kind of ganache. The possibilities are endless.
So why not surprise your loved ones with a batch of these exquisite cookies? Or better yet, invite them over for a cup of tea and offer them some freshly baked cookies on the side. Who knows, you might just become known as the Baker extraordinaire in your community!
Thanks for joining me on this culinary adventure. Until next time, happy baking!
Earl Grey Bocca Di Nonna Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups finely ground blanched almonds
- 1/3 cup whipping cream
- 4 earl grey tea bags
- 4 ounces finely chopped milk chocolate
Instructions
- In small bowl, stir together flour and cocoa powder; set aside.
- In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in almonds. Beat in flour mixture just until mixture is combined. Cover; chill dough about 1 hour or until easy to handle.
- Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil; set aside. Shape dough into 1-inch balls Place balls about 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet. Press each ball to flatten slightly.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until firm. Cool on cookie sheet on wire rack. Remove cooled cookies from cookie sheet. Spread about 1 teaspoon of Earl Grey Ganache on the flat side of each of half of the cookies. Top with remaining cookies, flat sides down.
- To make Earl Grey Ganache: In a small saucepan, bring 1/3 C whipping cream to boiling. Remove from heat.
- Add tea bags or tea ball, cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Remove tea bags or ball from cream. Squeeze tea bags well or press tea leaves in ball with the back of a spoon to release any liquid.
- Return cream to boiling and then remove from heat.
- Immediately add 4 ounces finely chopped milk chocolate and stir until chocolate melts and mixture is shiny and smooth.
- Cool mixture to room temperature before using.
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.