London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

If you’re like me and adore the cozy, comforting flavors of a good cup of tea paired with a sweet treat, then this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe is going to feel like a little hug from the inside out. These cookies capture the essence of that classic Earl Grey latte experience but in a buttery, chewy cookie form that’s perfect for afternoon tea or a special dessert. Honestly, every bite transports me back to rainy afternoons with a warm cup in hand, so these cookies are as much about the experience as they are about the flavor.

What makes this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe truly special is the way the Earl Grey tea infuses the cookie dough with bergamot’s fragrant brightness, balanced perfectly by the soft, floral lavender frosting. It’s a unique flavor combo that’s fancy enough for guests yet easy enough to whip up on a whim. Plus, adding culinary lavender to sugar adds a beautiful aroma and subtle complexity that really sets these cookies apart. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make a batch again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe might look a bit fancy, but they come together beautifully to create layers of flavor. Everything has its role—from the Earl Grey tea leaves that elevate the dough, to the culinary lavender for that fragrant frosting. Here’s some quick shopping tips to make your life easier when gathering ingredients.

• Earl Grey tea: Use good-quality loose leaf for the best flavor infusion; make sure it’s fresh to get that citrusy bergamot note.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping to avoid dense cookies.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Both help the cookies rise perfectly—not just fluffiness but that perfect tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Divided for the dough and lavender sugar; make sure it’s regular white sugar for proper caramelization.
• Unsalted butter: Softened, but not melted, to create that ideal cookie texture.
• Egg: Room temperature eggs mix better into dough for softness.
• Vanilla bean paste: Really amps up the vanilla flavor compared to extract; if you don’t have it, pure vanilla extract works too.
• Culinary lavender: Look for food-safe lavender because it’s potent and has to be edible.
• Cream cheese: Adds tanginess to the frosting; stick to full-fat for best results.
• Powdered sugar: For a smooth frosting texture; sift before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Purple food coloring (optional): For a subtle lavender hue—totally optional but pretty for presentation.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for—it’s such a flexible recipe that invites creativity. Don’t hesitate to tweak the frosting or cookie base to suit your taste!

• Gluten-free variation: I once swapped all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—added a bit more moisture with an extra egg, and they came out wonderfully tender and fragrant.
• Lavender-free frosting: If lavender isn’t your thing, try vanilla or lemon zest in the frosting for a bright twist.
• Stronger Earl Grey flavor: For more intensity, steep the tea leaves in warm butter before mixing; it deepens that bergamot note.
• Vegan adaptation: Use vegan butter and substitute the egg with flaxseed meal—definitely works, but the texture changes slightly.

How to Make London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Earl Grey into dry ingredients

Start by grinding the Earl Grey tea leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle—this helps distribute that unique flavor evenly throughout the cookie dough. Then whisk the ground tea together with the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This is the flavor base of your cookies, so don’t skip this step or the taste will be less pronounced.

Step 2: Cream butter, sugar, and egg

In your mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then add in your egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing until fully combined. This step ensures your cookies will be tender and have that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all crave.

Step 3: Mix dry and wet ingredients

Slowly add the flour and tea mixture to your wet ingredients, combining until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies might get tough. The dough will be a bit crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Prepare the lavender sugar

While your dough chills, blitz the culinary lavender and half a cup of sugar in a food processor or grinder until the lavender is finely combined with the sugar. This lavender sugar will add a lovely floral crunch to the cookies when you dip or sprinkle them after baking.

Step 5: Chill, shape, and bake

Chill the dough for at least an hour—this resting time is crucial for flavor development and makes it easier to handle. Then scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in the lavender sugar, and space them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the lavender cream cheese frosting

Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until well incorporated. If you want, add a drop or two of purple food coloring for that lovely lavender shade. Pipe or spread the frosting generously on cooled cookies.

How to Serve London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my lavender frosted cookies with a few edible lavender buds or even a tiny drizzle of honey. It adds a visual pop and enhances the floral notes beautifully. Plus, it makes the cookies look super special when served at tea parties or desserts for friends.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect paired with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea (of course!) or even a chamomile tea to complement the floral notes. For a more indulgent treat, try them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light lemon sorbet for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve arranged these cookies on tiered stands with matching cups of hot London Fog tea. They also look gorgeous boxed as gifts with a sprig of fresh lavender tied to the ribbon. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle some edible glitter or silver dragees on the frosting for sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to keep the frosting intact. They last beautifully for 3-4 days, and I find they actually taste better after a day once the flavors meld.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy, thaw completely and then frost fresh for best results. Freezing fully frosted cookies isn’t my favorite because the frosting can get a bit watery upon thawing.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warm feel, pop an unfrosted cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before frosting. Avoid reheating frosted cookies to keep that creamy texture perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s where the comfort of tea meets the joy of baking. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want something a little different yet familiar enough to make everyone smile. I’m pretty sure once you bake these, you’ll want to share them with friends over tea or just sneak a few whenever you need that little cozy moment. Give it a try—I promise it’s worth every buttery, floral bite!

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