As I was savoring my afternoon tea, the aroma of Earl Grey wafting through the air took me on an unexpected journey—a fragrant escape to cozy London cafés. That moment inspired me to create something special: Chewy London Fog Cookies with Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting. These cookies combine the soothing essence of Earl Grey and delicate floral notes of lavender, resulting in a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee. What’s more, they’re a quick and satisfying bake that even includes a gluten-free option, catering to everyone’s cravings. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking an easy dessert or a weekend warrior looking to impress your friends, these cookies deliver both comfort and elegance. Curious about how these charming confections come together? Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen!
Why Are London Fog Cookies So Irresistible?
Comforting, unique flavors: The combination of Earl Grey tea and lavender creates a delightful flavor profile that will remind you of your favorite tea shop.
Chewy texture: These cookies have a satisfying chewiness that perfectly balances the creamy lavender frosting.
Quick and easy: With simple steps, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Gluten-free option: You can easily swap in gluten-free flour, ensuring everyone can indulge in these treats!
Pair perfectly: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack, reminiscent of cozy London afternoons.
London Fog Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Earl Grey Tea – Provides the signature flavor; use loose leaf or 3 tea bags for a strong infusion.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; ensure you spoon and level for accuracy.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for lightness and airiness.
• Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder to create that perfect texture.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness; an essential baking ingredient.
• Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens and contributes to the chewy texture; coconut sugar works as an alternative.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; should be very softened for easy mixing.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients and provides structure; make sure it’s at room temperature for even blending.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Delivers depth of flavor; can be substituted with vanilla extract if needed.
• Lavender Sugar – Useful for rolling the cookie dough and adds a delightful floral touch; simply blend granulated sugar with culinary lavender.
For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting
• Lavender for Frosting – Infuses the frosting with that lovely floral flavor; always use culinary lavender for best results.
• Cream Cheese – The creamy base of the frosting, providing a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
• Purple Food Coloring (Optional) – Adds aesthetic appeal if desired; totally up to your creative choice!
With these ingredients, you’re just moments away from baking your own batch of dreamy London Fog Cookies that will transport you to a quaint café with each bite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Lavender Sugar
Start by blending about 3 tablespoons of culinary lavender with a cup of granulated sugar in a food processor until it forms a fine mixture. Strain this blend to remove any larger lavender pieces. Set aside half of the lavender sugar for your cream cheese frosting later, and keep the other half to roll the cookie dough for that enchanting floral flavor.
Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate large bowl, cream 1/2 cup of very softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. Add in 1 room temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, mixing until smooth, before combining with the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Step 3: Shape Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the lavender sugar mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated. Place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches apart since they will spread while baking. Gently flatten each ball to create a thicker disk shape, preparing them for that chewy texture in your London Fog Cookies.
Step 4: Bake
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. Keep a watchful eye; they should be slightly golden around the edges and soft in the center. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, enjoying the delightful aroma as you go.
Step 5: Prepare Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together 1 block (8 oz) of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and the reserved lavender from earlier until you achieve a smooth texture. If desired, add a drop of purple food coloring for visual flair, stirring it in until perfectly blended to create your lavender cream cheese frosting.
Step 6: Decorate Cookies
Once your London Fog Cookies are completely cooled, generously spread the lavender cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. You can use a spatula or a piping bag for a decorative touch. Enjoy these delightful treats with a warm cup of tea while celebrating the calming flavors of Earl Grey and lavender—the perfect afternoon indulgence.
Tips for the Best London Fog Cookies
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Soft Butter Reminder: Always ensure your unsalted butter is very soft. This allows for easy creaming with sugar, resulting in a perfect chewy texture in your London Fog Cookies.
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Precise Flour Measuring: Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag. Instead, use the spoon and level method to accurately measure flour, preventing dense cookies that won’t rise properly.
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Proper Egg Temperature: Let your egg come to room temperature before mixing; this helps achieve a more cohesive dough and better cookie texture.
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Aromatic Lavender Sugar: For enhanced flavor, make sure to blend culinary lavender well with the granulated sugar. Setting aside lavender sugar for the frosting adds an irresistible floral note to your cookies.
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Cooling Before Frosting: Always allow your London Fog Cookies to cool completely before spreading on the lavender cream cheese frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead Options
These London Fog Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks and can be prepped in advance to save valuable time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the chilled dough in lavender sugar, then bake as directed—your cookies will taste just as delightful! Additionally, you can make the lavender cream cheese frosting up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on your cooled cookies, ensuring freshness and that signature creamy texture.
What to Serve with Chewy London Fog Cookies?
Indulging in a batch of these delightful cookies is merely the beginning of your afternoon treat experience.
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Earl Grey Tea: The classic combination enhances the cookies’ flavor, creating a serene tea-time experience that feels indulgent and cozy.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing contrast, adding a burst of flavor and nutrients while balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla complements the floral notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience, perfect for warm afternoons.
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Lavender Lemonade: This refreshing drink echoes the lavender flavor in the cookies, providing a bright, zesty twist that’s simply delightful.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The rich dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the cookies, adding a layer of decadence that elevates your treat selection.
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Nutty Biscotti: For an added crunch, these delightful snacks offer a great texture contrast while enhancing your coffee pairings for a satisfying bite.
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Chai Latte: Its spiced warmth balances the cookies’ sweet and floral notes, creating a comforting drink perfect for sipping while nibbling.
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Almond Milk: The nutty, creamy consistency complements the buttery cookies beautifully, ensuring a delightful combination for those looking for a dairy-free option.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast, allowing the cookie’s sweetness to shine even brighter for a unique snack experience.
Storage Tips for London Fog Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week; just ensure they are in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 1 month. Frost them after thawing for the best results.
Reheating: To enjoy a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. Perfect for enjoying those luscious London Fog Cookies at any moment!
London Fog Cookies Customizations
Feel free to explore these delicious variations that allow you to put your own twist on these delightful cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a tender, chewy texture everyone can enjoy. Try brands like Bob’s Red Mill for great results!
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Chai Spice Twist: Replace Earl Grey with chai tea for a warm, spiced flavor that adds a cozy touch. The aromatic spices will be a delightful surprise!
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Chocolate Lovers: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for a rich, indulgent bite with each cookie. The chocolate will complement the lavender beautifully!
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Herbal Infusions: Swap lavender for culinary chamomile or mint, offering a refreshing twist that still captures that floral essence in a new way.
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate some fresh lemon zest into the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the sweetness. It’s like a refreshing breeze in every bite!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the chewy cookie. The nuts add an additional layer of heartiness!
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Cream Cheese Variations: Make the frosting even more decadent by adding a touch of citrus zest or a splash of vanilla extract for a flavor enhancement.
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Full-on Floral: Use actual edible flowers for decoration! This aesthetic touch not only looks stunning but also adds a burst of flavor and aroma.
These London Fog Cookies can be as versatile as your imagination allows—just like a cozy tea on a rainy day! If you’re looking for other cookie inspirations, check out our Thick Chewy Cookies or dive into the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies for seasonal flavors that also bring warmth to your kitchen. Enjoy baking!
London Fog Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right Earl Grey tea for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea or well-sealed tea bags without artificial flavors. Look for brands that emphasize a natural bergamot infusion, as it provides that signature taste and aroma that makes these cookies so delightful.
How should I store my London Fog Cookies?
Very simply! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week in a sealed container, just be aware they might lose some of their chewiness.
Can I freeze London Fog Cookies?
Yes, you absolutely can! To freeze, place your undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw and frost them for the best results!
What should I do if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the butter being too soft or possibly using too much flour. To prevent this, ensure your butter is softened but not melted—think room temperature—and properly measure flour by spooning and leveling it in your measuring cup. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes prior to baking to help maintain shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free London Fog Cookies, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, like Bob’s Red Mill or a similar brand. No other adjustments to the recipe are necessary, allowing everyone to enjoy these delightful treats!
Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s not safe to give these cookies to pets. Ingredients like chocolate and high sugar content can be harmful to dogs and other pets. Always keep them away from your baking goodies and offer them pet-friendly treats instead.
London Fog Cookies: Soft Bites of Earl Grey Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend about 3 tablespoons of culinary lavender with a cup of granulated sugar in a food processor until fine. Strain and set aside half for frosting and half to roll cookie dough.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla paste, mixing until smooth. Combine with dry ingredients to form dough.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll in lavender sugar, and place on ungreased sheets, flattening slightly.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until golden around edges and soft in center. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to racks.
- Beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and reserved lavender until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Once cooled, frost cookies with lavender cream cheese frosting as desired.
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