Program: KCTS 9 Cooks
Presented by: Paula Nemzek, KCTS 9 Cooks

Cook's Note: Try these delectable slice-and-bake cookies with your own favorite blend of tea. Delicious! We created these sophisticated cookies in honor of our August 2 event with Downton Abbey Cast members. We think Cora, Countess of Grantham, would approve!

makes 18 to 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves, crushed, or 1 1/2 tablespoons from tea bags (about 5 bags)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

In a large bowl, cream together butter, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, blend flour, tea and salt. Add half of flour mixture to butter mixture and stir together. Add remaining flour mixture and mix together until just combined.

Place dough on a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a firm log about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Seal with plastic, twisting both ends tightly, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment.

Slice the cookies into 1/3-inch thick rounds and place on the parchment at least 2 inches apart. Bake about 14 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. These are best served freshly baked.