Ingredients
Method
Tap the time in each step to start a build-in timer and cook with a little more ease and flow. Be sure to have your volume up to hear the timer chimes!
- Cream with Care: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.🌿Mindful Moment: Notice the texture changing — is it stiff, smooth, fluffy? Let your breath match your stirring rhythm.👧 Kid Prompt: Let your child count out loud while you cream for 20 seconds!💬 Prompt: “What does it feel like to mix soft and sweet?”
- Scent Play:Add in the lemon zest, verbena, and vanilla. Stir gently.🌿Mindful Moment: Pause. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply. Where in your body do you feel that scent land: your nose, chest, heart?💬 Prompt: “Can you smell sunshine in this bowl?” Invite them to describe the scent.
- Fold in the Flour:Stir in the flour and salt until dough forms. Use your hands at the end if needed, it’s grounding!🌿Mindful Moment: Notice the shift from dry to sticky to smooth. Feel the resistance and softness in your palms.💬 Prompt: “What shape do you want your cookie to be today?”👧 Kid Job: Let them feel the texture and help press the dough together.
- Chill the Dough:Wrap dough in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes. Use this time to color a cookie picture or prep some tea.🌿Mindful Moment: “Let’s rest like the dough. Where does your body need rest too?”🧘♀️ Optional: Lie on the floor for one minute together. Breathe slowly. Let the body settle.
- Shape and Sprinkle:Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.Roll the dough into small balls, flatten gently, and sprinkle a bit of sugar on top.🌿Mindful Moment: Shape each one with intention. Let your hands be slow and steady. Notice the cool dough and grainy sugar.👧 Invite kids: Press them with a fork or cookie cutter.
- Bake and Breathe:Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.🌿Mindful Moment: While baking, sit with warm tea or sway to a calming song. Can you smell the shift as the cookies begin to finish?
- Cool and Connect:Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with eye contact and slowness.💬 Prompt: “What flavor did you notice first? What did it remind you of?”
Nutrition
Notes
Nutritional content varies with butter type and added toppings.
Tips & Tricks
- Make It Mini: Use smaller dough balls for bite-sized tea cookies
- Freeze & Slice: Roll dough into a log, freeze, and slice for easy baking later
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and a sprinkle of coconut sugar
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Freezer: Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.Drink Pairings
Family Friendly:- Warm lemon balm tea with honey
- Chamomile with oat milk
- Vanilla rooibos
- Sparkling Limoncello spritz
- Earl Grey Hot Toddy with lemon peel
- White wine sangria with orange blossom