Name: London Fog Cookies: Soft, Chewy Treats for Tea Lovers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Earl Grey Tea (adds unique floral and citrus notes); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure it's fresh); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure it's fresh); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavors); 3/4 cup Granulated White Sugar (can be reduced for less sweetness); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (must be very soft); 1 large Egg (ensure it is at room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (can substitute with vanilla extract); 2 tablespoons Culinary Lavender (ensure it's culinary-grade); 1 package Cream Cheese (must be softened); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sift before use); 1 tablespoon Reserved Lavender Sugar (for dusting the cookies); 1 drop Optional Purple Food Coloring (for aesthetic enhancement)

As I sifted through my pantry, the enchanting aroma of Earl Grey tea wafted through the air like a comforting hug. That’s when the idea struck me: why not infuse those fragrant notes into a cookie? Enter my London Fog Cookies, where soft, chewy goodness meets the floral essence of lavender, resulting in a delightful treat that’s truly unique. With just a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of creativity, you can whip up these customizable cookies, perfect for impressing guests or savoring during a quiet afternoon. Plus, you’ll love that there’s a gluten-free option to cater to various dietary needs. Are you ready to bake a batch that will fill your kitchen with irresistible charm?

Why Are London Fog Cookies So Unique?

Irresistible aroma: The blend of Earl Grey tea and lavender creates a scent that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
Customizable options: Easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free needs, or experiment with floral flavors like chamomile or rose to suit your taste.
Perfect for tea time: Pair these soft, chewy delights with a hot cup of Earl Grey for the ultimate afternoon indulgence.
Crowd-pleaser: With their unique flavor and beautiful aesthetic, these cookies are sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Quick to make: Whip them up in no time, making them the perfect treat for spontaneous get-togethers or cozy nights in. For more delightful cookie recipes, check out Cannoli Cookies Bring and Pistachio Shortbread Cookies for additional inspiration!

London Fog Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Earl Grey Tea – Adds unique floral and citrus notes; substitute with another fragrant tea if desired.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; for gluten-free, use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents that contribute to the cookie’s lift; ensure both are fresh for optimal results.
• Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness; essential for overall flavor development.
• Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens and adds moisture; can be reduced for a less sweet cookie.
• Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich flavor and tender texture; must be very soft for proper mixing.
• Large Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; ensure it is at room temperature.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Introduces depth of flavor; can substitute with vanilla extract.
• Culinary Lavender – Infuses the cookies with floral flavor; ensure it’s culinary-grade for safety.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Base for the frosting, providing a rich, creamy texture; must be softened for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency; sift before use for best results.
• Reserved Lavender Sugar – For dusting the cookies, enhancing the lavender flavor.
• Optional Purple Food Coloring – Aesthetic enhancement for the frosting.

Enjoy your journey into the world of London Fog Cookies – a delightful treat that echoes the comforting embrace of tea time!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Lavender Sugar
In a food processor, pulse together the culinary lavender and granulated sugar until finely ground. This fragrant lavender sugar will add a delightful floral note to your London Fog Cookies. After blending, set half of the lavender sugar aside for frosting, as it will enhance the creaminess of your frosting.

Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. As you wait for the oven to reach temperature, gather your mixing bowls and utensils for a smooth baking process.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea. This mix of dry ingredients provides the structure and lift for the London Fog Cookies. Make sure all dry ingredients are well combined, creating a uniform mixture.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the very soft unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 3-4 minutes. This creaming process introduces air into the batter, helping your cookies become soft and chewy. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is pale and has doubled in volume.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Blend in one large room-temperature egg and the vanilla bean paste to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. This step not only adds moisture but also infuses your London Fog Cookies with depth of flavor from the vanilla.

Step 6: Mix Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky yet cohesive, perfect for rolling into delicious cookie balls.

Step 7: Shape Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls and then coat each ball generously with the reserved lavender sugar. Slightly flatten each ball onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave space between the cookies, as they will spread during baking.

Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. This visual cue ensures the cookies will remain soft and chewy once cool. After baking, let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Make Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and remaining butter together until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Slowly mix in the sifted powdered sugar and reserved lavender sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. This creamy frosting will beautifully top your London Fog Cookies.

Step 10: Frost Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the lavender cream cheese frosting on each cookie. The frosting adds a luscious creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the chewy cookies, creating a delightful balance that embodies the essence of a classic London Fog.

London Fog Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful variations that will let you put your unique spin on these gorgeous cookies!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a deliciously tender treat.
Floral Infusion: Try chamomile or rose instead of lavender to create cookies with different, enchanting floral notes.
Mix-in Madness: Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and delightful texture in every bite.
Herbal Twist: Replace Earl Grey with fragrant jasmine or chamomile tea for an aromatic twist that will surprise your palate.
Frosting Fun: Experiment with a zesty lemon frosting to add a refreshing contrast to the sweet floral notes of the cookies.
Sweet Spice: Incorporate a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for added warmth and depth of flavor.
Texture Tease: For chewier cookies, try chilling your dough for an hour before baking, which helps prevent spreading.
Colorful Cream: Add a few drops of purple food coloring to the frosting for a visually stunning presentation that will wow your guests.

With these variations, you’ll keep your baking fresh and delightful! And if you’re looking for more sweet inspiration, don’t miss out on my Coffee Butter Cookies or the festive joy of Twisted Christmas Cookies. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your London Fog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Refrigeration: If you’d like to enjoy them a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 1 month. Place layers of parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking, and use a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warmed, microwave each one for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Expert Tips for London Fog Cookies

Dough Consistency: If your cookie dough feels too crumbly, add a little more softened butter or an extra egg to ensure a cohesive texture.
Measuring Flour: Spoon and level the all-purpose flour when measuring to avoid packing it, which can lead to dry cookies.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be slightly underbaked in the center for that soft, chewy texture that London Fog Cookies are known for.
Culinary Lavender: Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender, as regular lavender may not be safe for consumption and can lead to bitter flavors.
Enhance Flavor: For an extra twist, try adding lemon zest to the frosting or into the dough for a fresh burst of flavor that complements the floral notes beautifully.
Storage: To maintain freshness, store your London Fog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them using parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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 wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its fresh flavor and chewy texture. The lavender cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, roll the chilled dough into balls, coat them in lavender sugar, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort on the day you need them!

What to Serve with London Fog Cookies?

Indulging in a batch of these fragrant cookies is even better when paired with complementary flavors and textures!

Earl Grey Tea: The classic pairing elevates the cookie experience, enhancing the floral notes while providing warmth and comfort.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness and adds a delightful cold contrast to the chewy cookies. Imagine the lusciousness melting in your mouth!
Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or blueberries bring a fresh acidity that cuts through the cookie’s richness, creating a stunning visual and flavor contrast.
Lavender Lemonade: This refreshing drink’s citrusy zing accentuates the floral essence of the cookies, making it a perfect afternoon treat for gatherings.
Almond Biscotti: Their crunchy texture offers a delightful contrast to the soft chewiness of the cookies, creating a unique combination with each bite.
Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte brings warmth and aromatic spices that beautifully complement the lavender and Earl Grey flavors, creating a cozy duo for tea time.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness of chocolate enveloping the tartness of strawberries makes for an indulgent dessert that pairs wonderfully with the floral cookie notes.
Meringue Kisses: Light and airy, these sweet meringue cookies provide a lovely texture contrast and can be flavored to mimic lavender or citrus for added enjoyment.
Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, can elevate the experience, pairing beautifully with both the sweetness of the cookies and the depth of flavors they possess.
Homemade Fruit Compote: A spoonful of tangy fruit compote on the side adds a deliciously bright touch, enhancing the cookie’s flavor profile while inviting guests to indulge.

London Fog Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of Earl Grey tea should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using loose-leaf Earl Grey tea for a rich floral flavor. If you can’t find it, tea bags will work just fine; just ensure they are fresh to bring out that delightful aroma.

How should I store London Fog Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are properly sealed to avoid drying out!

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze London Fog Cookies for up to 1 month. Ensure they are completely cooled, then layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm!

Why did my cookies turn out crumbly?
Sometimes, if the dough is too crumbly, it could be due to not enough moisture. If this happens, simply add a teaspoon of softened butter or an extra egg to bring the dough together. Mix gently until fully incorporated, avoiding overworking the dough.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Very much so! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. The cookies will still be soft and chewy while accommodating gluten-free diets.

Can I use lavender from my garden?
For safety, it’s best to use culinary-grade lavender. Lavender from your garden may not be pesticide-free and could impart a bitter taste. Always ensure any herbs you use in cooking are safe for consumption!