Earl Grey Chocolate Thumbprints

When I was growing up we called these Brown Eyed Susans. They are basically thumbprint cookies with an Earl Grey flavored chocolate filling. These are awesome for almost anything from a formal tea to just a great after school snack.

Another great flavoring possibility would be coffee.

Don’t…Do NOT…DESIST…just don’t even think about using margarine or shortening in these. The flavor will be off. These aren’t an especially sweet cookie and they are not only pretty on a cookie plate but are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon (or evening, or for breakfast).

The cookies are crumbly, melt in your mouth delicate. You will love them.

Brown Eyed Susans

from Everything Cookies and Brownies, by Marye Audet

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Sugar for rolling
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tbs Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa
• 1 tbs strong hot Earl Grey Tea infusion
• 1/2 tsp vanilla (or orange juice)

1. Preheat the oven to 375F
2. Beat the butter, vanilla, and sugar until light and fluffy
3. Blend in the flour and salt
4. Shape teaspoons of dough into balls and roll in sugar.
5. Place on a silpat or parchment covered baking sheet
6. Press thumb down in the dough to create an indentation
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden
8. Remove from oven and press the center down again if it needs it
9. Cool
10. Combine confectioner’s sugar and cocoa.
11. Add the hot tea and vanilla - stir until smooth
12. Fill the depression in each cookie with the chocolate mixture
13. Add a pecan half, or apricot, or whatever you desire as garnish if you like.

Makes about 4 dozen but I think I made them bigger than teaspoon size.

images:marye audet

Recipes cookies, earl grey tea, Recipes