Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/3 cup (65g) coconut sugar
- 1 large (50g) egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp (30g) black sesame paste
- 1 tbsp (6g) finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp (3g) baking soda
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) sea salt
- 4 oz (115g) softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsp (30g) maple syrup
- 1 drop (0.5ml) black food coloring
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in the finely ground Earl Grey tea and black sesame paste. Keep on the lowest heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly to infuse the oils, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, beat the infused butter and coconut sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to prevent over-spreading during baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop uniform balls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes.
- Prepare the frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, maple syrup, black food coloring, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before applying the grey frosting.