Brown Butter Hojicha Earl Grey Cookies

Featured in: Cozy Sweet Treats

Elevate your baking with these sophisticated cookies featuring rich brown butter, roasted Japanese hojicha tea, and fragrant Earl Grey. The nutty, caramel notes from browned butter perfectly complement the earthy depth of hojicha and floral bergamot essence. Chill the dough overnight for intensified flavors and chewy centers with crisp edges. Optional white chocolate adds creamy sweetness that balances the tea's natural bitterness.

Updated on Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:51:18 GMT
Freshly baked Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookies with gooey white chocolate chips, cooling on a wire rack. Pin It
Freshly baked Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookies with gooey white chocolate chips, cooling on a wire rack. | platefullyjoy.com

Discover a sophisticated fusion of flavors with these Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookies. By blending the nutty depth of browned butter with the roasted, earthy notes of Japanese hojicha and the fragrant, citrusy aroma of British Earl Grey tea, you create a uniquely aromatic treat that stands out from the traditional cookie jar.

Freshly baked Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookies with gooey white chocolate chips, cooling on a wire rack. Pin It
Freshly baked Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookies with gooey white chocolate chips, cooling on a wire rack. | platefullyjoy.com

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The process of browning the butter is where the magic begins, as it transforms into a liquid gold with a distinct nutty scent. When combined with the finely ground tea leaves and premium vanilla, every bite of these cookies delivers a sophisticated sensory experience that pairs beautifully with a warm beverage.

Ingredients

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  • Brown Butter: 170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter
  • Dry Ingredients: 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1 tbsp hojicha powder (roasted green tea), 2 tsp Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground)
  • Wet Ingredients: 150 g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar, packed, 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional Add-ins: 100 g (2/3 cup) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
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Instructions

Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, hojicha powder, and ground Earl Grey tea leaves.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. If using, fold in white chocolate chips.
Chill Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) for best flavor and texture.
Bake
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 2-tbsp mounds, spacing 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Das Kühlen des Teigs für mindestens eine Stunde – oder noch besser über Nacht – ist entscheidend, um den Geschmack zu intensivieren und die perfekte Textur zu erreichen. Stellen Sie sicher, dass die Earl-Grey-Teeblätter sehr fein gemahlen sind, um eine gleichmäßige Verteilung zu gewährleisten.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Für einen noch intensiveren Teegeschmack können Sie die Menge an Hojicha oder Earl Grey um jeweils einen halben Teelöffel erhöhen. Während weiße Schokolade hervorragend harmoniert, ist auch dunkle Schokolade eine exzellente Wahl für eine herbere Note.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie diese rustikalen Cookies am besten mit einer heißen Tasse Hojicha oder Earl Grey Tee für die perfekte aromatische Ergänzung.

Close-up of a Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookie broken in half, revealing a soft, chewy interior. Pin It
Close-up of a Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookie broken in half, revealing a soft, chewy interior. | platefullyjoy.com

Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a sophisticated dessert, these Brown Butter Hojicha & Earl Grey Cookies offer a delightful blend of earthy and floral notes that will leave you reaching for just one more.

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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Recipe FAQs

What makes hojicha different from regular green tea?

Hojicha is roasted green tea with a nutty, caramel-like flavor and reddish-brown color. The roasting process reduces bitterness and creates earthy notes that pair beautifully with brown butter's toffee-like taste.

Can I substitute Earl Grey with another tea?

Yes, Lady Grey or lavender tea work well. However, Earl Grey's bergamot oil provides distinct floral citrus notes that complement hojicha's earthiness. The combination creates a complex flavor profile.

Why is chilling the dough necessary?

Chilling for at least one hour allows flour to hydrate fully and flavors to meld. Overnight chilling intensifies the tea infusion while preventing excessive spreading, resulting in thick cookies with chewy centers.

What's the best way to grind tea leaves?

Use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder for fine powder. Avoid over-processing, which creates heat that can affect flavor. Aim for texture similar to confectioners' sugar for even distribution.

How do I know when brown butter is ready?

Melt butter over medium heat until it foams, then watch for golden-brown specks and a nutty aroma. The milk solids will toast and create a rich, caramel fragrance—about 5-7 minutes total.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, though the flavor profile will change. The brown butter's nutty notes are essential, so use a vegan butter that browns well for closest results.

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Brown Butter Hojicha Earl Grey Cookies

Sophisticated cookies with nutty brown butter, roasted hojicha, and aromatic Earl Grey tea for a unique fusion treat.

Time to Prep
20 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Overall Time
32 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed

Meal Type Cozy Sweet Treats

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Fusion

Makes 24 Number of Servings

Diet Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Brown Butter

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 1 tablespoon hojicha powder
05 2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea leaves, finely ground

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 1 large egg yolk
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

01 2/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, hojicha powder, and ground Earl Grey tea leaves until well combined.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.

Step 04

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. If using, fold in white chocolate chips.

Step 05

Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, for best flavor and texture development.

Step 06

Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon mounds, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 07

Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft.

Step 08

Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat gluten
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains milk from butter and optional chocolate
  • May contain traces of soy or tree nuts from commercial chocolate products

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 135
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 2 g

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