Name: Delicious London Fog Cookies: A Soothing Sweet Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Earl Grey Tea (Use loose leaf or 3 bags if unavailable.); 2 cups All Purpose Flour (Consider gluten-free version.); 1 tsp Baking Powder (Essential for a fluffy texture.); 1 tsp Baking Soda (Second leavening agent.); 1/2 tsp Salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 cup Granulated White Sugar (Sweetens the cookies.); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Must be very soft.); 1 large Egg (At room temperature.); 2 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (For a strong vanilla aroma.); 1 tbsp Culinary Lavender (Dried lavender recommended.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened for ease of mixing.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Adjust for desired sweetness.); a few drops Food Coloring (Optional for visual appeal.)

As the kettle whistles, I find myself craving something sweet and intriguing. That’s when the idea of baking London Fog Cookies sparked to life. These delightful treats, infused with the comforting essence of Earl Grey and a hint of floral lavender, result in a cookie experience like no other. The best part? They’re not only quick to whip up, but I’ve also included a gluten-free option so everyone can enjoy them. Picture sinking your teeth into a soft cookie, topped with fluffy lavender cream cheese frosting, all while sipping your favorite cup of tea. Who knew comfort could taste this heavenly? Ready to elevate your baking game and satisfy that sweet tooth? Let’s dive into this enchanting recipe!

Why are London Fog Cookies irresistible?

Soft, Chewy Delight: These cookies feature a tender bite that melts in your mouth, making them an instant favorite among cookie lovers.

Floral Elegance: The infusion of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender creates a sophisticated flavor profile that’s comforting and refreshing.

Quick Prep Time: With a straightforward recipe, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time—perfect for unexpected guests or a cozy afternoon treat.

Gluten-Free Option Available: Everyone can indulge, thanks to the easy adaptation for gluten-free baking. Try using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for delicious results!

Perfect for Pairing: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, making them a delightful addition to your tea time or social gatherings.

Adaptable Variations: Swap the lavender for citrus zest, or add nuts for a unique twist—endless possibilities await your creativity in the kitchen!

London Fog Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Earl Grey Tea – Adds distinct flavor; you can substitute with three bags of Earl Grey tea if loose leaf is unavailable.
• All Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; consider using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, essential for a fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda – A second leavening agent for extra lift.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a chewy texture.
• Unsalted Butter (softened) – Provides richness; must be very soft for effective creaming.
• Egg (at room temperature) – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Enhances flavor with a strong vanilla aroma; vanilla extract can be substituted, but paste is preferred.
• Culinary Lavender – Imparts floral notes; use dried lavender for pronounced flavor.

For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the frosting, contributing creaminess and texture.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and thickens it; adjust for desired sweetness.
• Food Coloring (optional) – Adds visual appeal to the frosting, perfect for special occasions.

Happy baking and enjoy your London Fog Cookies, just the treat to lift your spirits alongside your favorite cup of tea!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your London Fog Cookies release easily after baking. This preparation step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Tea and Lavender
Finely grind the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender separately using a food processor. After grinding, sift both to remove any larger bits, ensuring a smooth texture. This step will help impart a uniform flavor throughout the cookies, giving them that delightful Earl Grey essence.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the finely ground Earl Grey tea. This blend creates the structure of your cookies. Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined to promote even rising when baking, setting a solid foundation for your London Fog Cookies.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture appears light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a chewy cookie texture, so take your time to achieve that perfect creaminess.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the room temperature egg and vanilla bean paste to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until the batter is pale and fluffy, which should take another 1-2 minutes. This step adds moisture and rich flavor, enhancing your cookies’ overall indulgent experience.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stopping when the flour is barely incorporated is key to keeping your cookies tender. You should still see a few streaks of flour that will disappear as you fold the batter lightly.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll each scoop into a ball. For an added touch, roll the cookie balls in lavender sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important to prevent the cookies from merging during baking, allowing for even cooking.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. The cookies should look lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which enables them to set perfectly before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the lavender cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, lavender, and vanilla until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This luscious frosting will crown your cookies beautifully.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have completely cooled, use about 1 tablespoon of lavender frosting to generously frost each cookie. The frosting should complement the delightful flavors of the London Fog Cookies and add an enticing finishing touch that makes them even more irresistible.

How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cookies

Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and avoid drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to a month. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, enhancing the aroma and flavor of your London Fog Cookies.

London Fog Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful cookies!

Gluten-Free: Use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour to make this recipe accessible for everyone.
Citrus Zest: Swap out the culinary lavender for lemon or orange zest to add a refreshing citrus twist.
Nutty Addition: For a delightful crunch, mix in chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the dough.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the flavor by drizzling melted dark chocolate on top of the frosted cookies for a rich treat.
Spicy Kick: For a warm note, sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough before baking.
Lemon Glaze: Instead of frosting, create a light lemon glaze with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice for a fresh finishing touch.
Earl Grey Crystals: Top with a sprinkle of coarse sugar infused with Earl Grey tea for an elegant presentation and a flavor boost.
Minty Fusion: Introduce a surprising kick by mixing in finely chopped mint leaves with your cookie dough for an uplifting flavor profile.

For more exciting variations, don’t forget to check out these Chocolate Oat Cookies and explore other gluten-free delights like the Ingredient Gluten Cookies. Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These London Fog Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—just scoop the dough into balls, roll in lavender sugar, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. For even greater convenience, the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their delightful softness, make sure they cool completely before storing. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting treat, simply bake the refrigerated dough directly, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if necessary. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm London Fog Cookies ready with minimal effort!

Helpful Tricks for London Fog Cookies

Soft Butter: Ensure your butter is extremely soft; it should yield to gentle pressure. This step makes perfect creaming possible, ensuring a light cookie texture.

Precise Measurements: To avoid dense cookies, use the spoon and level method for flour or weigh it accurately. This guarantees the best results for your London Fog Cookies.

Cookie Shape: Keep your cookies round by using a cookie cutter to gently press them back into shape after baking. This keeps them looking neat and uniform.

Chill Dough if Needed: If time permits, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and texture, making it easier to scoop and shape.

Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop when you see a bit of flour.

What to Serve with Heavenly London Fog Cookies

Imagine indulging in the soft, sweet embrace of these lovely cookies while enjoying a comforting cup of tea or a light, refreshing dessert.

Earl Grey Tea: The classic pairing enhances the cookies’ flavors, creating a harmonious and comforting tea time experience.
Lavender Lemonade: The floral notes in this refreshing drink complement the cookies while providing a zesty contrast to their sweetness.
Cheese Platter: Serve with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creamy texture and subtle flavors balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh berries adds a burst of color and tartness, making for a vibrant counterpoint to the rich, buttery cookies.
Shortbread Cookies: Traditional shortbread’s buttery simplicity makes it an excellent companion; enjoy them alongside for a variety of textures.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight creates a delightful contrast when enjoyed with warm cookies; this timeless combination brings pure bliss.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an elegant touch that enhances richness and adds a delightful flavor layer.
Sparkling Water with Mint: A refreshing beverage with a hint of mint cleanses the palate between bites, elevating the entire cookie experience.
Lemon Tart: The tangy sweetness of lemon tart serves as a bright counterpoint to the floral notes of the cookies, making an exciting flavor duo.

London Fog Cookies Recipe FAQs

How should I select and store culinary lavender?
When selecting culinary lavender, look for dry lavender buds that are aromatic and have a vibrant purple color. Avoid any that appear faded or have dark spots, as these may not provide the best flavor. Store culinary lavender in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, where it can last for up to a year. This helps to maintain its potency, ensuring your cookies are filled with that enchanting floral note.

How long can I store my London Fog Cookies?
You can store your London Fog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh and avoid drying out, make sure they are sealed well. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to a month. Just be sure to use parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze London Fog Cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your London Fog Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. You can store them for up to a month this way. To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave for a cozy treat!

What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies flatten out too much, it could be due to overly soft butter or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is softened properly (it should be soft enough to press but not melted) and measure your flour using the spoon and level method to avoid packing it down. Also, if your dough is too warm, chilling it for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain shape.

Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! To make these delectable London Fog Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. This blend provides excellent texture and flavor, so everyone can partake in the cookie enjoyment without compromising taste! Just remember to measure accurately for the best results.

Can I modify the flavor of the cookies?
Very! Feel free to adapt the flavor by swapping culinary lavender with citrus zest for a refreshing lemony touch, or adding crushed nuts like pistachios to the dough for a delightful crunch. Each variation offers a unique twist, so let your creativity flow in the kitchen!