London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting bring the comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea and floral lavender into a delicate, sweet treat. Perfect for pairing with your afternoon tea or coffee, they offer a lovely blend of citrusy bergamot and subtle lavender notes in each bite.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea
• 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• Purple food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare Lavender Sugar. Add the lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to remove large bits. Set aside half for the frosting and mix the remaining ground lavender with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Set this lavender sugar aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: Grind Earl Grey Tea. Pulse the Earl Grey tea in a food processor until finely ground, then sift to remove any large bits.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar for 1 to 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Add the egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined.
8. Step 8: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball, then coat each ball evenly in the prepared lavender sugar.
9. Step 9: Place dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball and shape it into a circle.
10. Step 10: Bake 6 to 8 cookies at a time for 9 to 10 minutes. Once baked, let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, use a large circular cookie cutter to perfect their shape.
11. Step 11: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Step 12: Prepare the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting by beating together the cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
13. Step 13: Add powdered sugar, the reserved ground lavender, vanilla bean paste, and optional purple food coloring. Mix until very fluffy.
14. Step 14: When the cookies have cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting evenly on each cookie using a mini offset spatula.
15. Step 15: Serve and enjoy these elegant London Fog Cookies with your favorite tea or coffee.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger Earl Grey flavor, steep the tea leaves in a tablespoon of hot water and add that liquid to the dough mixture instead of just ground tea.
• If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract works as a great substitute.
• Add a sprinkle of finely chopped candied lemon peel to the dough for a zesty twist.
• Use fresh culinary lavender to ensure the most fragrant frosting and sugar coating.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before frosting or serving. The frosting is best applied fresh but if needed, you can store frosted cookies in the fridge, covered, for 2 to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before eating for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?

You can substitute regular black tea, but the signature bergamot flavor of Earl Grey is what makes these cookies special. If you use regular black tea, expect a milder citrus aroma and flavor.

Is it necessary to use culinary lavender?

Yes, culinary lavender is recommended because it is safe to eat and has a pleasant flavor. Avoid using lavender meant for fragrance only, as it may be treated with chemicals that aren’t safe for consumption.

London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

These London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting blend the classic flavors of Earl Grey tea and a delicate lavender cream cheese frosting to create a sophisticated and elegant treat perfect for teatime or special occasions. Soft, buttery cookies infused with finely ground Earl Grey and coated with fragrant lavender sugar are topped with fluffy lavender cream cheese frosting, offering a wonderful floral and citrus aroma with every bite.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 18–24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea
• 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for lavender sugar coating)
• 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender

Lavender Frosting

• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender (reserved from lavender sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• Purple food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Lavender Sugar: Pulse the culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground, then sift through a sieve to remove large bits. Set aside half of the finely ground lavender for the frosting and combine the remaining half with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a bowl to make lavender sugar. Set aside.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
3. Grind Earl Grey Tea: Using the food processor, pulse the Earl Grey tea until finely ground, then sift through a sieve to remove any large pieces, ensuring a smooth texture in the cookies.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea until thoroughly combined.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
6. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla bean paste on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
8. Form Cookie Balls: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each into a ball. Then coat each dough ball evenly with the prepared lavender sugar.
9. Arrange Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten and shape each ball into a circle for even baking and uniform appearance.
10. Bake Cookies: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Once baked, let the cookies sit on the sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, use a large circular cookie cutter to perfect their shape by gently pressing them into the ideal round form.
11. Cool Cookies: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting does not melt.
12. Prepare Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add powdered sugar, reserved ground lavender, vanilla bean paste, and optional purple food coloring. Mix well until the frosting becomes very fluffy and smooth.
13. Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of lavender cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie using a mini offset spatula for precise application.
14. Serve: Enjoy these elegant London Fog Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a special treat or gathering.

Notes

• Ensure the Earl Grey tea is finely ground to prevent gritty texture in the cookies.
• Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
• Using a cookie cutter while the cookies are warm helps achieve uniform, perfect shapes.
• Lavender can be strong in flavor; adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• The frosting can be tinted with purple food coloring for a decorative touch but is optional.

Keywords: London Fog Cookies,Lavender Frosting,Earl Grey Cookies,Tea Cookies,Cream Cheese Frosting,Lavender Sugar,Baked Cookies,Tea Time Treats