This post was created in partnership with Arbor Teas / Giveaway below!
We come from a culture, where tea is everything. In Russia, tea is probably the most commonly consumed beverage. It’s like water, but much more popular than water. Everyone drinks it – adults, kids, and even coffee lovers. It’s acceptable to have tea after every meal, as well as as during breaks throughout the day, any time of day. If you attempt to stop by someone’s house for a quick second, you will most likely end up staying for tea. And tea time is sacred. It’s when 90% of conversations happen (or at least it seems that way). Tea time is never just tea, either, there’s always some kind of treat involved. It can really be anything sweet: hard candy, chocolate, cookies, waffles, cake, powdered sugar-dusted cranberries… Dessert is so intertwined with tea for us, that to this day we can’t enjoy anything sweet without a hot beverage. It just doesn’t taste good. We’d rather have no dessert than dessert without tea. This is especially true for cookies. Today we are super excited to be collaborating on a tea time-ready, sandwich cookie recipe with Arbor Teas, a Michigan-based tea company that carries the loveliest selection of organic and fair-trade loose leaf tea. There’s a giveaway, too!
When we were dreaming up these cookies, we immediately thought about tea sandwiches – you know, those miniature, crustless sandwiches that usually accompany fancy tea. With that format in mind, we went for a layered ‘sandwich’ cookie. Earl Grey tea is probably our favorite, most nostalgia-inducing black tea, and since the Arbor Teas Earl Grey smelled so incredibly fresh (the best we’ve ever had!), we were very excited to incorporate that flavor in some way. The result: buttery, vegan and gluten-free cookies, layered with a luxurious Earl Grey cream, with a kiss of dark chocolate. They are the perfect cross between virtuous and indulgent. And of course, they are best enjoyed with or dipped in tea.
Arbor Teas is one of those dream sponsors that we feel lucky to work with. Not only do they take pride in the quality of their product, but they also put a huge emphasis on sustainability. They source only organic and fair-trade tea, package it in backyard-compostable packaging, and run their facility on solar power. We like to believe that companies like this are the future. Besides their earl grey, we’ve been loving the Chaga Chicory, Makaibari Estate Silver Tips, and Golden Ginger Turmeric teas.
G i v e a w a y : Today’s giveaway is for one 4 oz Earl Grey tea and a stainless steel infuser from Arbor Teas, as well as one copy of our cookbook, Simply Vibrant. To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us about your favorite kind of tea or a tea that intrigues you from the Arbor Teas shop, until February 28th, 2019. Giveaway is U.S. only.
- heaping ¼ cup cashews - soaked in boiling water for 10 min and drained
- ½ tablespoon arrowroot powder
- ⅓ cup very strong Earl Grey tea
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- fat from one 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk
- ½ packed cup pitted dates
- 2 tablespoons flax/chia meal (aka ground flax/chia)
- 1 cup old-fashioned gf rolled oats
- ½ cup ground walnuts/almond meal + ½ cup ground oats/oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea - ground in a mortar and pestle (optional)
- pinch of sea salt - to taste
- 1 cup nut butter like almond, cashew, peanut, sunflower or tahini
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon melted neutral coconut oil, divided
- 1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- Place the cashews, arrowroot, tea, lemon juice, maple syrup, and coconut oil in an upright blender. Blend until smooth.
- Place the coconut fat in a medium bowl and whisk it with a whisk to make it a little fluffier. Add the blended mixture to the bowl and whisk it in. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, until the cream is hardened but scoopable. You will likely have some cream left over after making the cookies. You can freeze it and use it as cupcake/cake icing, serve on the side of pancakes, waffles, crepes, etc.
- Place the dates into a small, heat proof bowl and pour hot purified water over them, then leave to soak for 10 minutes. Place the flax/chia meal into another small bowl and add 6 tablespoons of purified water. Whisk to combine and let sit to gel for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C). Combine the oats, flour or meal, baking powder, baking soda, Earl Grey powder (if using), and salt in a large bowl, mix well.
- Combine the nut butter, ¼ cup of coconut oil, drained soaked dates and the gelled flax/chia in a bowl of a food processor fit with an S blade. Process until smooth. Add the mixture into the bowl with the oats and flours, and stir to combine. The mixture will be stiff and sticky.
- Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper. Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop uniform batter portions onto the baking sheet. If you don't have an ice cream scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of batter for each cookie. Leave enough space between each portion for flattening. Using a lightly oiled hand, flatten each cookie into uniform circles, about ¼" in thickness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the outside of the cookies is dry to the touch. Let the cookies cool for about 5-7 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. You will probably need to bake the cookies in 2 batches.
- To make the cookie sandwiches, place a generous amount of the Earl Grey cream into the center of a cookie, then use another cookie to sandwich the cream and let it spread out to the sides, pressing gently. The cookies should be facing bottom side in. Repeat with the rest of the cookies, placing them back on their baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate, for the Earl Grey cream to harden a little.
- Prepare a drying rack, lined with parchment paper underneath. Melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan or bowl on a double boiler, together with the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate about half way, letting the excess chocolate drip off. Place on the drying rack. Repeat with the rest of the cookies. Transfer the rack to the refrigerator for a few minutes for the chocolate to harden. Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool room. Enjoy!
Hope Hill says
What a great giveaway! I love drinking tea and also cooking with it. I would also be honored to win your cookbook! I love your recipes and blog. I love Chinese teas so I would be interested in Arbor Teas Green Tea Sampler so I could try several to see which I liked best.
Christine says
I love earl grey white tip. It’s like a brandy after diner.
Thanks for this recipie
HBM2019 says
Goodness gracious those cookies look fabulous! I love a strong black tea with milk, and then a sweet cookie alongside. A match made in heaven! I must look more into these Arbor teas!
Natalia M says
I’m originally from Ukraine, and our tea rituals are pretty much the same. I can totally relate to the dessert with a hot beverage thing! Especially cake, as much as I love it, I can’t have it without something warm to drink. I would love to try the nettle leaf tea, can’t believe that something that stings so much and I tried to avoid all of my childhood, is actually good for me. Also, the chamomile mint sounds so good and soothing, especially before bed! I drink caffeine free tea every night after dinner, and that one sounds perfect.
Rachel says
We love a soothing nettle leaf tea in the evening and drink strong black tea throughout the day, like earl grey, English breakfast or Pure tea from China.
Viviana says
I love all kinds of teas, particularly if they are light and slightly earthy. I love earl grey, matcha, and mint as well as having a hint of lemon. My favorite drink is a london fog.
Beth Cotler says
Organic Chamomile Peppermint Tea not only continue to intrigue me but is simply my “answer to everything” tea!
Karen D says
Earl Grey is my favorite tea!
Elizabeth M says
The Silver Needle White Tea from Arbor Teas sounds divine! I surmise it would be lovely with your cookies :)
Christina says
I would love to try the cherry sencha green tea. I am trying to drink more green tea after reading about all of its health benefits.
Cassy says
These cookies look so yummy! Earl Grey is delicious, but i’d Have to say my favorite is vanilla rooibos.
Marsha says
I love tea of all types! But I have to say my favorites are Earl Grey ( almost out), Lapsang Souchong, Mango India, all chais, and a good strong black English breakfast to get my day started! I have been following you and Arbor Teas but have yet to order from them! Can’t wait! ???❄☕☕☕???
EILEEN MILLAN says
what a perfect giveaway. all my favorites wrapped up in one giveaway. I love earl grey and any cookies etc. Trying to eat and drink cleaner is what makes this giveaway a perfect treat and great start for me to eat and drink healthier. I so enjoy your emails and recipes it gives me food for thought each time i get one.. I also love tea all kinds and arbor’s teas are high on my list to buy.
Maureen Sutherland Weiser says
I absolutely adore Earl Grey and Oolong is one of my absolute favorite teas ever!
Phoebe says
Earl Grey is my absolute favorite black tea. For herbal I love roasted dandelion root. Tea is my jam!
Smirna says
These cookies would be great for my mid day quiet times. I love to sip on a green matcha, or warmth Ray with my journal and fresh flowers. Thanks for sharing!
Rosie Bleyer says
I have been to Nepal twice and have always loved their black tea, lightly brewed, with ginger, honey and lemon. I am so glad to find a source for Nepali tea! This beautiful country still needs our support after the devastating earthquake several years ago. Helping their economy helps their rebuilding efforts!
Marina Sominsky says
I can relate to drinking a lot of tea (was born and grew up in Ukraine). Would love to try Organic Bai Mu Dan White Tea from Arbor Teas. Your cook book is amazing, a copy for my mom would be so nice! Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway! Oh, and this cookie recipe – cannot wait to try it.
Sandra says
What a fun giveaway! There’s a market in Ann Arbor that we frequent. They brew your tea and sell it packaged as well. When we visit I find myself continually drawn to the organic citrus ginger green tea. My 2 and a half year old grandson is learning all about teas and he enjoys your organic vanilla almond rooibos. The earl grey tea sandwich cookies look delicious! I will need to get some earl grey tea next visit. Best!
Allie says
Hmmm. I am a big fan of all types of black tea. On weekend mornings I like to sit with a big mug of slightly fruity, but still bold black tea. So, Arbor Teas Organic Mango Black tea sounds like something I want to try! And, of course, I know that their Organic Thai Iced Tea would please me any summer day in North Carolina!
Lydia Claire says
When it comes to black tea I really like Earl Grey and one that is a mix of black tea and vanilla. For herbal tea I like a ginger pear mix.
jacquie says
The cookies look great! How could i decide on just one tea to try? i want to try the ginger turmeric and the decafe early grey to start…
Sharon Lesperance says
A friend brought Morracan Mint Tea into work. It was heavenly! I went home and promptly ordered some and it’s still my favorite mint tea on the market. Love it and highly recommend everyone try it!
thefolia says
As far as bkack tea, I’m loyal to an aged Earl Grey or a perfect chai masala. Mountain tea is my favorite herbal tea and these earl grey spiked cookies look divine….happy feasting and sipping.
Maia says
The citrus ginger green is exactly what I need in the morning!
thealmondaddict says
Earl grey is my go-to black tea. Sorry English Breakfast :P But the origin teas sound pretty cool!
Sandy says
Arbor Teas are the only ones I drink now and while their Earl Grey is awesome and my choice when I want hot tea, their Yaupon tea (herbal and grown in the US) mixed with mint is my hands down favorite for iced tea! The cookies look fabulous!
Nikki M. says
My two favorites are decaf English Breakfast and Oolong. I want to order Arbor’s decaf iced tea. I’m ready for summer!
Kendall says
Whoa Nellie, these cookies-!!! I cannot wait to eat them. I really enjoy Eastside Earl, made by a local tea shop here in Austin. It’s heavy on the bergamot. I also love trying all types of chai teas, and matcha tea. I will have to try this Arbor tea Earl Grey as well!
Dorothea says
I admit I love that first cup of coffee in the morning; I save my afternoons and evenings for tea. Lately, I’ve been drinking green tea infused with blackberry leaves and sweetened with just a touch of honey. I also love a cup of peppermint tea or camomile after a meal…but I’m looking forward to trying some of Arbor Teas delicious-sounding teas and your Earl Grey Tea Sandwich Cookies!
Mickie says
Yum! Those cookies look ah-mazing. I’m a softie for Earl Grey, but the Peach Rooibos flavor caught my eye!
Amanda M. says
Lapsang souchong! so smoky and delicious as tea, plus it can impart great flavor as a cooking ingredient.
Grace says
I just came back form South Africa, and rooibois is my new favorite tea!
Mary says
I love tea! My favorite right now is matcha and rooibois.
Carol Nemes says
The organic hawaii premium black-tetea from Arbor Teas intrigues me.
Elizabeth B says
I would love to try Arbor earl grey rooibos to use in making these wonderful looking cookies, I’m imagining them alongside of a nice pot of Arbor English breakfast tea, while paging through your spectacular book!
Leah says
I’m super intrigued by their Organic Chaga Chicory blended tea! I’ve only had chicory in other tea blends but always love how rich and creamy it tastes. I also love that it tastes/makes me feel like I’m drinking coffee, which is WAY too much caffeine for me. Thanks for doing this awesome giveaway! I love tea and your blog so much!!
Heather S says
My favorite tea is genmaicha
Sarah says
Chamomile is always my go to
Walentyna says
I love all things tea, I would love to try their apricot black tea. So many times ‘flavored ‘ tea tastes artificial and chemical.i have a feeling theirs does not. Also looking forward to making these lovely cookies!
Sarah Kate says
My morning ritual involves meditating and then reading while slowly drinking a big pot of steaming green tea, usually Jasmine or Dragonwell, sometimes Sencha. I’ve never tried Arbor Teas but they look beautiful and I would love to try them all. I especially appreciate that they are organic and Fair Trade! Those politics are very important to me and tea-growing can be super exploitative for both the land and the workers.
Meghan JB says
These looks amazing! Cannot wait to give them a go! Highly recommend the silver tips teas from ArborTea!
Casey says
I’m trying to cut back on caffeine so I’ve been drinking a lot of Arbor Teas Chaga Chicory. I love Ginger Chili, too.
Regan Standlick says
What an awesome giveaway. I love jasmine green tea. I love how it’s fresh tasting but awakening at the same time.
Catherine Michaels says
Hello. Thank you for this opportunity ! Thank you for a wonderful recipe with ingredients found easily in my kitchen . So excited to bake and taste. Favorite tea would be chocolate Pu erh. Lush and flavorful ?. Of course I will never stop my love affair with earl grey? The aroma is awesome the flavor is awesome
Lynnae says
I love Earl Grey, Lady Grey and Thiele Tea from Germany since that’s where my family is from. I like the idea of cooking with it.
Nancy says
I love a good oolong tea! As well as a nice soothing camomile in the evening.
Hannah says
Obsessive tea-drinker here. I love all herbal blends since I’ve become a bit sensitive to caffeine, so that fruity Crimson Berry Fruit Tisane looks particularly intriguing!
Andy Jiang says
My favorite tea is currently is a nice Genmaicha. Cheap, perfect in the morning or at night, and never ceases to put me in a better mood.
Ashley Francis says
Jasmine tea is my favorite
Natalie says
My favorite type of tea is rooibos. Especially vanilla rooibos, it’s wonderful!
Annamarie V says
I would love to try the organic orange spice lemongrass tea.
Carolsue says
I find the flavored teas like Organic Mixed Berry Black Tea intriguing!
Rachel says
Earl grey is by far my favorite but the lemongrass, nettle, peppermint, cranberry, many greens… I mean, I need one for every mood, occasion, and season or guest. Can’t wait to try these cookies!
Ellie brown says
I made these cookies and gave them to all my vegan and gluten free friends! I love tea, really any kind. I drink tea all day long, and I got my husband hooked too! Any of the organic chai teas from Arbor tea sounds amazing!!! Nothing beats a chai tea in the winter time. Thanks for the recipe!