Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood by the kitchen window, the gentle scent of lavender wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy café nestled in London. That’s when I decided it was time to bake a batch of London Fog Cookies. These delightful treats are perfectly soft and chewy, marrying the comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea and floral lavender, all topped with a luscious lavender cream cheese frosting. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. Plus, I’ve even got a gluten-free adaptation to keep everyone in the loop! So, are you ready to elevate your cookie game and treat yourself to a taste of London? Why You’ll Crave These Cookies Soft and Chewy: A melt-in-your-mouth experience that combines the floral notes of lavender with the rich depth of Earl Grey, making each bite an indulgent treat. Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can impress their friends and family. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create gourmet-level flavors! Versatile Options: Whether you’re looking for gluten-free ingredients or aiming for a vegan variation, you can easily tailor these cookies to suit your needs. Perfect Pairing: Enjoy a cookie with your afternoon tea or serve them at gatherings; they’re sure to be a hit among your guests. If you love cookies as much as I do, don’t forget to check out our Pistachio Cream Cookies or Brown Sugar Cookies for more delightful options! A Cozy Treat: The aroma of these cookies baking will fill your kitchen with a comforting scent, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for cozy afternoons. London Fog Cookies Ingredients For the Cookies • Earl Grey Tea – Infuses the cookies with a fragrant, floral flavor; use loose-leaf or 3 tea bags for a stronger taste. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; remember to spoon it into your measuring cup for better accuracy, as 1 cup equals 125 grams. • Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise beautifully. • Salt – A little balance goes a long way; enhances the sweetness and overall flavor profile. • Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens the cookies with a pure, clean taste and lovely texture. • Unsalted Butter – Key to the cookie’s richness; make sure it’s very softened for optimal creaming. • Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; use it at room temperature for better incorporation. • Vanilla Bean Paste – Adds depth of flavor; for a stronger taste, opt for paste over extract if you have it on hand. • Culinary Lavender – Imparts a lovely lavender aroma; choose dried buds for a more intense flavor. For the Frosting • Cream Cheese – Forms the base; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly. • Purple Food Coloring – Optional, adds visual appeal to your lovely lavender frosting. With these ingredients on hand, you’re just a whisk away from baking the most delightful London Fog Cookies that will enchant your taste buds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Lavender Sugar Begin by grinding 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender in a spice grinder until fine. Mix the ground lavender with ½ cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl, ensuring an even distribution. This aromatic lavender sugar sets the stage for the delightful London Fog Cookies you’ll be baking. Step 2: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking sheets. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup after baking. The oven should be fully heated before you proceed to the cookie dough, promoting a perfect rise and texture. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Finally, mix in the 2 teaspoons of ground Earl Grey tea to incorporate its fragrant flavor. This dry mix creates a solid foundation for your London Fog Cookies’ scrumptious texture. Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat ½ cup of very softened unsalted butter and your prepared lavender sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This process incorporates air, creating that tender texture that makes London Fog Cookies so delightful. Step 5: Incorporate Egg & Vanilla Carefully add one large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy, ensuring everything is well combined. This step also helps in achieving a beautiful rise in the cookies. Step 6: Combine All Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. This combination is the key to crafting those perfectly soft and chewy London Fog Cookies. Step 7: Shape Cookies Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Roll each lump of dough into a ball, then roll them in the remaining lavender sugar before flattening them slightly for baking. This adds a sweet, floral crust to your cookies. Step 8: Bake Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set, while the centers will look slightly soft and underbaked. This ensures a soft, chewy finish to your delicious London Fog Cookies. Step 9: Cooling Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies firm up while retaining their lovely chewy texture. Step 10: Make Frosting To prepare the frosting, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter together in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of the lavender sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy. This decadent frosting will add a finishing touch to your London Fog Cookies. Step 11: Frost Cookies Once the cookies are completely cool, use a knife or spatula to spread the lavender cream cheese frosting generously over each cookie. For an extra pop of color, you can add a few drops of purple food coloring to the frosting, if desired. This lovely icing enhances the delightful flavors of your cookie creation. What to Serve with London Fog Cookies Enhance your afternoon tea experience with delightful accompaniments that complement the floral and rich flavors of your cookies. Earl Grey Tea: The classic pairing, with its bergamot and lavender notes, mirrors the cookie’s flavor for a harmonious sip. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a unique twist, serve a savory side like these dreamy potatoes; their creaminess balances the cookie’s sweetness beautifully. Lemonade Spritzer: The zesty brightness in this drink cuts through the richness, refreshing your palate between bites of dessert. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color that contrasts the cookies’ softness. Lavender Lemon Bars: Continue the floral theme with these tangy treats, offering a delightful tartness that enhances your London Fog experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop paired with a warm cookie is pure bliss, combining creamy texture and sweet vanilla to elevate your indulgence. Sparkling Rosé: The fizzy notes of this wine bring an air of celebration and enhance the aromatic qualities of your snack, perfect for social gatherings. Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Their crunch and subtle chocolate flavor provide a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy cookies, creating a delightful medley of textures. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a bit over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness, creating a decadent treat that takes them to the next level. London Fog Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to add a personal twist and make these delightful cookies your own, appealing to your unique tastes! Gluten-Free: Use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a delicious gluten-free version. The same soft texture and flavor will still shine through! Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter. You’ll be amazed at how these cookies turn out! Different Teas: Experiment by substituting Earl Grey with chai, matcha, or lavender-infused green tea. Each tea offers its own delicious flavor profile for an exciting cookie experience. Herbaceous Touch: Add a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme to the cookie dough for a unique savory twist that complements the sweet and floral notes. Coconut Bliss: Fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a chewy texture and an extra layer of sweetness. The combination of flavors is simply divine! Chocolate Chips: For a touch of decadence, mix in a handful of white chocolate or dark chocolate chips. They melt beautifully, elevating your cookies to a whole new level. Frosting Flavor Boost: Infuse the cream cheese frosting with a tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrus note. It’s a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Nuts for Texture: Add ¼ cup of chopped macadamia nuts or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and flavor. Those little bites will add wonderful variation in texture. Enjoy exploring these variations and enhancing your baking experience! And if you find yourself craving more cookie delights, don’t miss trying our delightful Brownie Cookie Cookies or the rich flavors of Caramel Chocolate Cookies. Happy baking! Expert Tips for London Fog Cookies Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little may prevent them from rising properly. Butter Softness: Make sure your unsalted butter is very soft at room temperature for the best texture. If it’s too hard, your cookies won’t achieve that melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Mixing Method: Beat the egg and vanilla until the mixture is pale; this important step incorporates air and helps your London Fog Cookies rise beautifully. Proper Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack. This prevents them from breaking apart while still maintaining a chewy center. Frosting Tips: Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps create a smooth and creamy lavender cream cheese frosting that complements the cookies perfectly. How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cookies Room Temperature: Keep your London Fog Cookies in a sealed Ziploc bag for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture, giving you the taste of fresh-baked cookies every time. Fridge: If you prefer, store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them warm to room temperature before serving to enjoy their delightful flavors. Freezer: For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before indulging. Reheating: To rejuvenate your cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft experience. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon treat anytime! Make Ahead Options These London Fog Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop and shape the dough into balls, roll them in lavender sugar, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, just pop them in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes, and you’ll have warm, soft cookies that are just as delightful as when freshly made. Additionally, you can also make the lavender cream cheese frosting up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before frosting your cookies! London Fog Cookies Recipe FAQs What kind of Earl Grey tea should I use for these cookies? Absolutely, you can use either loose-leaf Earl Grey tea or tea bags. If you’re using tea bags, three bags will provide enough flavor, equivalent to about three tablespoons of loose tea. The floral notes are what make these cookies so special, so choose a quality brand for the best results! How should I store my London Fog Cookies? I recommend placing your cookies in a sealed Ziploc bag at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you find yourself with extras, you can also store them in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. This way, your cookies will remain soft and delightful! Can I freeze these cookies for later? Yes! To freeze your London Fog Cookies, first lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until they are solid, which usually takes about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature—easy and perfect for a cozy treat anytime! What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking? Very! If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, it might be due to your butter being too soft or overmixing the dough. Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted. Additionally, chill your dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps maintain their shape while still achieving that chewy texture. Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? Yes, these London Fog Cookies do not call for any nuts, making them a great option for those with nut allergies. However, if you’re using pre-packaged ingredients like baking powder, always double-check for cross-contamination in the product you choose to be completely safe! Can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free? Absolutely! To make gluten-free London Fog Cookies, you can substitute all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. This flour is a fantastic alternative that maintains the right texture and flavor. Just follow the same measurements and enjoy these delicious cookies that everyone can savor! Delicious London Fog Cookies for a Cozy Afternoon Treat These London Fog Cookies blend Earl Grey tea and lavender for a delightful, cozy treat. Perfectly soft, chewy, and topped with lavender cream cheese frosting. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: BritishCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies1 tablespoon culinary lavender ground½ cup granulated white sugar for lavender sugar1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon salt2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea ground½ cup unsalted butter very softened1 large egg room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste2 cups lavender sugar for bakingFor the Frosting4 ounces cream cheese softened¼ cup unsalted butter softened2 cups powdered sugar1 teaspoon lavender sugarpurple food coloring optional Equipment mixing bowlsElectric mixerspice grinderbaking sheetsparchment papercookie scoopCooling rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for London Fog CookiesBegin by grinding 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender in a spice grinder until fine. Mix the ground lavender with ½ cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl, ensuring an even distribution.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking sheets. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of ground Earl Grey tea.In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat ½ cup of very softened unsalted butter and your prepared lavender sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.Carefully add 1 large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes until pale and fluffy.Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined.Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Roll each into a ball and coat with lavender sugar.Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.To prepare the frosting, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of lavender sugar.Once cool, frost each cookie generously and add purple food coloring if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesUse a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurements to avoid dry cookies. Ensure butter is very soft for the best texture. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet to maintain their chewy center. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
