London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

If you crave a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’re in for a treat with the London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe. This recipe brings together the delicate, fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea and the subtle floral sweetness of lavender frosting. These cookies offer a unique, sophisticated flavor that tastes both comforting and elegant – perfect for your next teatime or just a special indulgence. The balance of buttery cookie texture with creamy, lavender-kissed frosting will quickly make these cookies a beloved go-to in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple for this recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable flavor and texture of these cookies. From aromatic Earl Grey tea to fresh cream cheese frosting, every component adds something special.

• Earl Grey tea (3 tbsp): Provides that signature bergamot flavor that defines London Fog and infuses the entire cookie with fragrant citrus notes.
• All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups, 344 g): Creates the perfect chewy yet tender cookie base.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp) and baking soda (1/2 tsp): Ensure your cookies rise beautifully and stay light.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Granulated white sugar (1 1/2 cups total): Sweetens the dough and adds a delicate crunch from the lavender sugar coating.
• Unsalted butter (1 1/4 cups total, softened): Adds richness and moisture, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
• Egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to a soft yet sturdy texture.
• Vanilla bean paste (3 tsp total): Lends a deep vanilla aroma enhancing both dough and frosting.
• Culinary lavender (1/2 tbsp): Ground fresh for an authentic floral accent in the sugar and frosting.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives frosting its creamy tang that cuts through sweetness beautifully.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, 130 g): For smooth, sweet frosting texture.
• Purple food coloring (optional): Adds a pretty lavender hue to complete the presentation.

How to Make London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Lavender Sugar

Start by grounding the lavender to release its floral oils – pulse in a food processor and sift to get a fine powder. Reserve half of this for the frosting and combine the rest with sugar to coat the cookie dough later. This step infuses the cookies with that signature lavender essence and gives a gentle crunch on the outside.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy removal of cookies later. This prepares you for a smooth baking process with no sticking.

Step 3: Grind Earl Grey Tea Leaves

Finely grinding the Earl Grey tea in a food processor intensifies the flavor and ensures it blends evenly into the dough. Sift out any larger bits to keep the cookie texture smooth, so every bite melts in your mouth without any gritty surprises.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the finely ground Earl Grey tea. This dry mixture carries the aromatic base flavor and structure for your cookies.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

Whip the softened butter and sugar on high speed until fluffy and light – this aeration is key to tender cookies. It also ensures that the sugar begins to dissolve properly, contributing to a subtle crumbly texture later.

Step 6: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla bean paste on medium speed until the dough is pale and creamy. This adds moisture and depth in flavor, making the dough delicate yet rich.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients gradually and mix on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and toughen your cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears into dough.

Step 8: Shape and Coat Dough Balls

Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion dough into balls and roll each in the lavender sugar mixture. This step layers in subtle floral sweetness on the outside and helps create that lovely sugar crust.

Step 9: Arrange and Flatten Cookies

Place cookie dough balls on prepared sheets with enough space to spread, about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten and shape the balls into neat circles, which helps them bake evenly and look perfect.

Step 10: Bake and Shape Cookies

Bake 6 to 8 cookies at a time for 9 to 10 minutes. After baking, let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up. Impressively, you can use a large round cookie cutter to perfect the shape while they are still warm and malleable.

Step 11: Cool Cookies Completely

Transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool fully. Cooling is essential before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding right off.

Step 12: Make the Lavender Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, the reserved ground lavender, vanilla bean paste, and optional purple food coloring. Keep beating until the frosting is light and airy. This creamy frosting is the star that complements the tea-infused cookies with fragrant floral notes.

Step 13: Frost the Cookies

Once cooled, spread about one tablespoon of frosting on each cookie using a mini offset spatula for smooth, even coverage. The contrast between the tender cookie and luscious frosting is simply irresistible.

Step 14: Enjoy!

Serve these beautiful London Fog Cookies with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, and revel in their elegant flavor and charming presentation.

How to Serve London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of edible dried lavender flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of each frosted cookie. These garnishes echo the floral theme and enhance the visual appeal, making your cookies irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with Earl Grey tea, chamomile, or even a creamy latte for the ultimate teatime experience. Fresh berries on the side can add a juicy contrast, balancing the floral flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a vintage tiered cake stand or a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh lavender scattered around. You can also package them in pastel-colored boxes tied with delicate ribbons as a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting stays delightfully creamy, and the cookies remain soft and flavorful for snacking later.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw fully and frost as usual for fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked feel, warm cookies briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before frosting to avoid melting, and enjoy that comforting fresh-baked aroma and softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey for this recipe?

While regular black tea will work, Earl Grey’s unique bergamot flavor defines the character of these cookies. Using another tea will change the flavor profile and might make the cookies less aromatic and distinctive.

Is culinary lavender safe to use in baking?

Yes, culinary lavender is specifically grown for cooking and baking. It’s best to use culinary grade rather than gardening lavender, which can be treated with pesticides not meant for consumption.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with buttercream?

You can, but cream cheese frosting offers a tangy balance to the sweet and floral cookie base. Buttercream will be sweeter and less tangy, which changes the taste experience.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm. Spacing cookies adequately on the sheet also helps them maintain their shape.

Can I add color to the frosting naturally without food coloring?

You can try using a small amount of blueberry juice or butterfly pea flower powder for a subtle purple hue. However, these might alter the flavor slightly, so test in small amounts first.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing the London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe. The combination of fragrant tea, gentle floral notes, and creamy frosting creates a cookie that’s as elegant as it is comforting. Whether for a quiet afternoon treat or a lovely gift, these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you every time!

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