London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

If you adore the soothing flavors of Earl Grey tea and the delicate floral notes of lavender, then you are in for a treat with this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe. These cookies bring together the comforting essence of a classic London Fog latte into a buttery, tender cookie, perfectly crowned with a dreamy lavender-infused frosting. Every bite offers a whimsical dance of fragrant tea and floral hints, making these cookies a sophisticated yet approachable indulgence. Whether for a tea party or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is bound to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the long list; these ingredients are simple pantry staples that each play an essential role. From the aromatic Earl Grey tea to the creamy frosting components, every element adds its own magic, creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color.

• 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea: The heart of the recipe giving that signature bergamot aroma and flavor.
• 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Provides the base structure for the cookies, ensuring the right chewiness.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect crumb.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the cookies’ tender texture.
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness, moisture, and contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 1 egg, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients together for a soft yet sturdy cookie.
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste: Adds warmth and complexity beyond just sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar: Combined with culinary lavender to create the magical lavender sugar coating.
• 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender: Offers a gentle floral flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese: Brings creamy softness to the frosting for a luscious finish.
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting perfectly smooth and rich.
• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste: Elevates the frosting’s flavor with subtle vanilla notes.
• Purple food coloring (optional): Adds a whimsical touch to the lavender frosting for an elegant look.

How to Make London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lavender Sugar

Start by pulsing the culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground, then sift to remove any larger bits for a smooth texture. Set aside half of this lavender for the frosting. Mix the remaining ground lavender with granulated sugar in a bowl, creating a fragrant lavender sugar that will coat the cookie dough balls, giving them a flourish of floral sweetness and a delicate crunch.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking. Proper preparation at this stage makes the rest of the process seamless and enjoyable.

Step 3: Ground the Earl Grey Tea

Use a food processor to finely grind the Earl Grey tea leaves, then sift to discard any large pieces. This will allow the tea’s full fragrance and bergamot flavor to infuse the cookie dough subtly but profoundly, keeping the texture smooth and pleasant.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the finely ground Earl Grey tea. Combining these beforehand ensures even distribution of leavening agents and that the tea flavor is consistent throughout every cookie.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on high speed with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this creates the perfect base for tender cookies with just the right bite.

Step 6: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the room temperature egg and vanilla bean paste on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step builds structure while enriching the dough with warm, complex flavor notes.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid over mixing here to keep the cookies tender and to not develop too much gluten.

Step 8: Shape and Coat the Dough

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough, then roll each piece into a ball. Gently coat each dough ball with the prepared lavender sugar, giving the cookies a slightly crunchy, subtly floral crust that hints at the exquisite flavor inside.

Step 9: Arrange and Slightly Flatten Dough Balls

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each ball into a circle shape, ensuring a uniform size for even baking and a pretty presentation.

Step 10: Bake and Perfect the Shape

Bake the cookies in batches of 6-8 for 9-10 minutes until just golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Remove from oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up. While still warm, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently perfect their round shape for an elegant finish.

Step 11: Cool Completely

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting. Patience is key here because frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and lose its lovely texture.

Step 12: Prepare the Lavender Frosting

Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until fluffy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add powdered sugar, reserved ground lavender, vanilla bean paste, and optional purple food coloring. Mix until the frosting is light, creamy, and beautifully tinted if you choose to add color.

Step 13: Frost the Cookies

Using a mini offset spatula, spread about 1 tablespoon of the luscious lavender frosting evenly on each cooled cookie. This final touch adds a dreamy floral richness that perfectly complements the subtle bergamot flavor in the cookie.

Step 14: Enjoy Your London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Serve these elegant treats alongside a comforting cup of tea or coffee for an indulgent moment. They are sure to impress guests or simply be your go-to when you want to treat yourself with something both cozy and beautifully sophisticated.

How to Serve London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For a charming finishing touch, consider sprinkling a little extra culinary lavender atop the frosting or adding a dusting of edible pearl dust to give your cookies a subtle shimmer. These small details make your London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe feel even more special and gift-worthy.

Side Dishes

This cookie pairs beautifully with light accompaniments. Think a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea served hot or iced. Fresh fruit slices like juicy pears or citrus wedges can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies and frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a pretty tiered stand for a tea party or package them in a decorative box lined with parchment paper and tied with a lavender sprig for a lovely homemade gift. You could even serve them with a small pot of homemade clotted cream or honey for dipping, elevating this treat to an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves the soft texture of the cookie and the delicate hint of lavender in the frosting without drying out.

Freezing

If you wish to save these treats longer, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Freeze the frosting separately in a small airtight container. Thaw both before assembling for fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

Reheat cookies gently in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 3-4 minutes if desired, but only frost them after they’ve cooled completely. This method warms them just enough without compromising the frosting’s texture or flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey for this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe?

While Earl Grey tea’s unique bergamot flavor is integral to the cookie’s character, you can substitute with a strong black tea if needed, though the cookies will lack that distinctive citrusy aroma.

What is the role of lavender in this cookie recipe?

Lavender provides a subtle floral undertone that adds elegance and complexity, balancing the bergamot notes of the Earl Grey and elevating the entire flavor profile.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the frosting?

Cream cheese adds a tangy richness and creamy texture that balances the sweetness beautifully, making the frosting more luscious than a simple buttercream.

Can I omit food coloring from the frosting?

Absolutely! The purple food coloring is optional and only adds a pretty visual touch. The frosting tastes delicious without it and retains the same delicate lavender flavor.

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

Chilling the dough slightly before baking helps control spreading, as will ensuring your oven temperature is accurate. Using the lavender sugar coating also helps maintain the shape and adds an extra texture layer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough trying this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe when you’re craving something both unique and delightfully comforting. It’s the kind of baking project that fills your kitchen with the most enchanting aromas and rewards you with cookies that taste like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether for yourself or to impress friends, these cookies are a special treat that’s sure to brighten any day.

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