savor: squirrel cookies + milk

earl grey shortbread cookies in the shape of squirrels with a side of almond milk...yes please!

this is one of my go-to sweet treats...the bergamot in the earl grey and the creaminess of the butter make for one heavenly cookie. and i happen to have a thing for squirrels, so getting to use a squirrel cookie cutter just makes things that much more fun!

earl grey shortbread cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, tea, and salt, until the tea is just spotted throughout the flour. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and butter. Pulse together just until a dough is formed. Place dough on a sheet of plastic wrap, and roll into a log, about 2 1/2-inches in diameter. Tightly twist each end of wrap, and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Slice the log into 1/3-inch thick disks. Place on parchment or silpat lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart (2 probably needed depending on size of sheets). Bake until the edges are just brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks and cool to room temperature.

Makes 2 dozen

[recipe via food network]