Name: London Fog Cookies: Soft, Chewy Bliss with Lavender Twist
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 tea bags Earl Grey Tea (Substitute for convenience); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Weigh 1 cup at 125 grams for best results); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Granulated White Sugar (Adds sweetness and moisture); 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Very softened for best incorporation); 1 large Egg (Room temperature for optimal mixing); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (Can substitute with vanilla extract); 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (For Lavender Sugar coating); 1 tablespoon Culinary Lavender (Dried culinary lavender only); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Soft and at room temperature); 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened for easy mixing); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Sifted for smooth consistency); 0.5 cup Reserved Lavender Sugar (For added sweetness and flavor); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (Optional for flavor enhancement); 1 drop Purple Food Coloring (Optional for aesthetic appeal)

As I sank my teeth into a freshly baked cookie, the warm notes of Earl Grey danced on my palate, sparking a rush of culinary nostalgia. These London Fog Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they evoke the cozy embrace of afternoon tea with their enchanting blend of lavender and cream cheese frosting. Not only are they a delightful indulgence, but they’re also a breeze to whip up, making them the ideal dessert for both seasoned bakers and those looking to impress. Whether you’re gathering friends for tea or celebrating a quiet moment at home, these chewy, aromatic cookies promise to elevate your snacking experience. Curious how to create this fragrant masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are London Fog Cookies a must-try?

Unique Flavor Fusion: Each bite offers a delightful blend of comforting Earl Grey and fragrant lavender, elevating the cookie experience.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together effortlessly for bakers of all levels.
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy them with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon snack that feels special.
Customizable Options: Whether gluten-free or with different floral flavors, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Friends and family will be enchanted by these soft, chewy cookies topped with creamy lavender frosting, making them the star of any gathering. For other floral-inspired treats, check out my delicious Malted Peanut Cookies or try the indulgent Ferrero Rocher Cookies.

London Fog Cookies Ingredients

• Whip up these flavorful London Fog Cookies with ease!

For the Cookies

Earl Grey Tea – Provides aromatic flavor and fragrance; substitute with approximately 3 tea bags for convenience.
All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure; weigh 1 cup at 125 grams for best results, or opt for gluten-free baking flour for a different twist.
Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise and achieve a light texture.
Baking Soda – Aids in leavening.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Granulated White Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough.
Unsalted Butter – Contributes to richness and texture; ensure it’s very softened for the best incorporation into sugar.
Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; bring it to room temperature for optimal mixing.
Vanilla Bean Paste – Enhances flavor depth; can be swapped with vanilla extract if preferred.
Granulated Sugar (for Lavender Sugar) – Used to coat cookie dough balls, adding sweetness along with subtle lavender notes.
Culinary Lavender – Provides distinct floral notes; make sure to use dried culinary lavender, not extract.

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the frosting; it should be soft and at room temperature for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sifted for a smooth consistency.
Reserved Lavender Sugar – Adds sweetness with an extra touch of lavender flavor to the frosting.
Purple Food Coloring (optional) – An optional enhancement for your frosting’s aesthetic appeal.

With these delightful ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of irresistible London Fog Cookies that will transport your taste buds to tea time bliss!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Lavender Sugar
Begin by pulsing 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground. Mix the ground lavender with ½ cup of granulated sugar, ensuring it’s well combined. Set aside half of this aromatic lavender sugar to use later in the frosting. Keep the other half handy, as you’ll use it to roll the cookie dough balls before baking.

Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This step will prepare you for baking the delicious London Fog Cookies, making sure they come out perfectly golden and chewy.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the ground Earl Grey tea. This mixture combines all the dry ingredients, creating a light and airy base for your London Fog Cookies. Make sure there are no lumps before moving forward.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the butter, which helps achieve a tender cookie texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add one room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until smooth and airy. This crucial step not only binds the ingredients but also infuses rich flavor into your London Fog Cookies.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing—the dough should be soft but cohesive. Once combined, you should see a dough that holds together nicely, ready for shaping.

Step 7: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough and roll it into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the reserved lavender sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Gently flatten each ball with your palm for even baking.

Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Make Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the lavender cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Finally, fold in the reserved lavender sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.

Step 10: Frost Cookies
Once the cookies have completely cooled, use a spatula to spread about 1 tablespoon of lavender cream cheese frosting over the top of each cookie. The frosting will add a rich and floral note, perfecting the delicate balance of flavors in your London Fog Cookies.

How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful soft texture. This ensures they stay fresh and chewy for your snacking pleasure.
Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze cookies for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes, incorporating the London Fog flavor even more with a little cream cheese frosting on top!

Make Ahead Options

These London Fog Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough into balls, roll them in lavender sugar, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This not only keeps the dough fresh but also enhances the flavors, allowing the Earl Grey and lavender to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take the dough out of the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, and bake as directed. You can also whip up the lavender cream cheese frosting and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just give it a quick stir before spreading on cooled cookies. With these tips, impressing your guests with homemade London Fog Cookies will be a breeze!

What to Serve with London Fog Cookies

Indulging in these delightful cookies opens the door to a world of perfect pairings that transform them into an enchanting experience.

Earl Grey Tea: The aromatic notes of this classic tea amplify the cookie’s flavors, making every bite more delightful.
Lavender Lemonade: The refreshing citrus complements the cookies beautifully while the lavender enhances the floral undertones.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious, cool contrast to the warm, chewy cookies.
Herbal Infusion: Consider a soothing mint or chamomile tea for a calming sip alongside your sweet treat.
Fresh Berries: Serve with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a burst of freshness that cuts through the cookie’s sweetness.
Shortbread Crumbles: Crushed shortbread creates an interesting texture contrast when sprinkled on top, adding crunch to your dessert.
Almond Milk: A glass of chilled almond milk offers a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the fragrant love of Earl Grey.
Lemon Curd: The zesty brightness of lemon curd provides a tangy twist, elevating the cookie experience to new heights.
Chocolate Truffles: Decadent dark chocolate truffles offer an indulgent pairing that creates a comforting warmth with each bite.

London Fog Cookies Variations

Feel free to experiment with these variations to make your London Fog Cookies even more delightful!

Floral Flavors: Substitute lavender with chamomile or rose for a delightful twist that’ll surprise your taste buds. Each option brings its own unique floral note that perfectly complements the Earl Grey.
Gluten-Free: Use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version while maintaining that wonderful chewy texture. It’s a great way to share this treat with those who may have dietary restrictions!
Additional Mix-Ins: Consider adding white chocolate chips or crushed nuts for some extra flavor and texture. The sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the floral notes, while nuts add a satisfying crunch.
Frosting Variations: Experiment with different frostings like lemon or vanilla to shake things up. These flavors would enhance the cookie’s aromas while still being deliciously dreamy!
Vegan Option: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. This will give you a wonderfully moist vegan treat!
Lavender Sugar: For those who want more lavender flavor, increase the amount of culinary lavender in the lavender sugar. Just ensure you pulse it finely to maintain that sweet floral taste!
Raspberry Glaze: Try a fresh raspberry or simple glaze instead of frosting for a fruity twist. This will add a tangy contrast that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies with a chewy center, chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. This enhances the flavors and improves the texture, making a delightful difference!

With these suggestions, you can customize your London Fog Cookies to suit every palate or occasion. If you’re seeking more cookie inspiration, why not give my delectable Neiman Marcus Cookies or scrumptious No Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies a try? Happy baking!

Expert Tips for London Fog Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure your unsalted butter is very soft to achieve a light and fluffy texture. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
Flour Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level technique or weigh the flour for precision. This prevents overly dry cookies that can occur from too much flour.
Dough Consistency: If the dough appears crumbly, add an extra egg. This will improve cohesiveness and ensure your London Fog Cookies hold their shape.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should be lightly golden at the edges while remaining soft in the center. Over-baking can lead to a dry texture.
Frosting Texture: For a smooth lavender cream cheese frosting, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are room temperature. Sift powdered sugar to eliminate lumps.

London Fog Cookies Recipe FAQs

What level of ripeness is best for culinary lavender?
Absolutely! When selecting culinary lavender, look for dry buds that are vibrant in color and fragrant. Avoid any that appear dull or have a musty smell, as this indicates age or poor quality. You can also check for any dark spots; they can signal that the lavender is past its prime.

How should I store my London Fog Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week—just make sure they’re sealed tight to avoid drying out!

Can I freeze my London Fog Cookies for later?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They will stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a warm, delightful treat.

What if my cookie dough seems crumbly?
Very! If your dough is crumbly, don’t worry. You can add an extra egg to the mixture to improve cohesiveness. Another tip is to ensure your butter is very soft; this can greatly impact the texture of your dough and final cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer texture!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a delicious gluten-free option. You can enjoy the same soft, chewy goodness without the gluten, making these delightful London Fog Cookies accessible to everyone!

How long can I keep frosting made with cream cheese?
Cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 week, ensuring it’s kept in an airtight container. If you have leftover frosting from your London Fog Cookies, it’s also a great idea to freeze it for later use! Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.