What is caramelized white chocolate and how does it affect cookie flavor?

Caramelized white chocolate is white chocolate that has been gently heated until the milk solids brown, creating a rich, buttery flavor similar to caramel or dulce de leche. This process deepens the chocolate’s sweetness and adds a toasty, slightly nutty note that enhances the overall taste of cookies, making them more complex and indulgent compared to using regular white chocolate.

How do you caramelize white chocolate for baking cookies?

To caramelize white chocolate, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread chopped high-quality white chocolate evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 45–60 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. The chocolate will change from creamy white to golden tan. If it becomes grainy, add small teaspoons of water to smooth it out. Let it cool and solidify before chopping and folding into your cookie dough.

What are the key ingredients in Citrus Earl Grey caramelized white chocolate sugar cookies?

These cookies typically include caramelized white chocolate, Earl Grey tea (usually infused or ground leaves), orange zest for citrus brightness, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Each ingredient contributes to the balance of sweet, floral, and citrus flavors and the cookie’s tender, chewy texture.

Can I use Earl Grey tea leaves directly in the cookie dough, and how does it impact the flavor?

Yes, you can finely grind Earl Grey tea leaves and mix them directly into the dough or infuse the tea in melted butter or cream for a more pronounced flavor. Earl Grey’s signature bergamot citrus notes add a light floral and slightly tangy aroma that complements the sweetness of the caramelized white chocolate and orange zest, enhancing the cookie’s unique taste profile.

Citrus Earl Grey Caramelized White Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Name: Citrus Earl Grey Caramelized White Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 311 g caramelized white chocolate, chopped; – 1 bag dried Earl Grey tea; – 227 g unsalted butter, softened; – 250 g granulated sugar; – 1 egg; – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; – Zest of one large orange; – 270 g all-purpose flour; – 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; – 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; – 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Description

🍊 These Sugar Cookies combine the bright, floral notes of citrus zest and Earl Grey tea, creating a unique and aromatic cookie experience.
🍫 The addition of caramelized white chocolate brings a rich, buttery sweetness with a chewy texture that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

– 311 g caramelized white chocolate, chopped

– 1 bag dried Earl Grey tea

– 227 g unsalted butter, softened

– 250 g granulated sugar

– 1 egg

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

– Zest of one large orange

– 270 g all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1-First: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 270 g all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, then set aside.

2-Next: in a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, cream together 250 g granulated sugar, 227 g unsalted butter, zest of one large orange, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 bag dried Earl Grey tea for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the sides as needed.

3-Then: add 1 egg at low speed and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until no dry streaks remain and scraping the bowl sides. Gently mix in 311 g chopped caramelized white chocolate by hand until evenly distributed. Scoop the dough into 2 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet and chill for at least 10 minutes.

4-Finally: bake for 10-12 minutes until edges brown and tops are dry, then tap the tray on the counter to settle and cool completely on the tray.

Notes

🍫 Use high-quality white chocolate bars with high cocoa butter content for caramelization instead of chips.
💧 If caramelized white chocolate gets grainy, carefully add 1 teaspoon water at a time to loosen without adding too much.
🧊 Caramelize white chocolate ahead of time and store in an airtight container for convenience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Tea-infused

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 65mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Sugar Cookies, Earl Grey Cookies, Citrus Zest Cookies, Caramelized White Chocolate Cookies