If you adore the comforting buzz of Earl Grey tea paired with a hint of floral elegance, the London Fog Cookies with Earl Grey and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy, brimming with the distinct bergamot flavor of Earl Grey and the subtle charm of lavender, wrapped in a buttery cookie base and finished with a silky, aromatic cream cheese frosting. Imagine sinking your teeth into a pillowy treat that feels like a warm hug on a rainy afternoon, perfectly paired with a cup of your favorite tea. This recipe isn’t just a cookie; it’s a cozy experience waiting to happen right in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with light beige, thick creamy batter showing swirled soft texture is placed on a white marbled surface. Around it, there is an open book with yellowed pages, next to a small round wooden bowl containing black tea leaves topped with fresh purple lavender flowers. Nearby, a white cup with a blue pattern holds light brown tea, with a small glass jar tied with twine containing more lavender stems beside it. White and green small flowers lay scattered on the surface, creating a cozy and natural setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this London Fog Cookies with Earl Grey and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully curated ingredients list. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the Earl Grey tea that infuses the dough with distinctive bergamot flavor or the culinary lavender that brings a delightful floral note. Together, they combine to create a cookie that is perfectly balanced in flavor, texture, and aroma.

Earl Grey tea (3 tbsp): Ground finely to infuse the cookie dough with authentic bergamot essence.
All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Provides the structure for soft yet sturdy cookies.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp) and baking soda (1/2 tsp): Essential leavening agents that help your cookies rise to perfection.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Granulated white sugar (1 cup + 1/2 cup for lavender sugar): Sweetens the dough and the lavender coating for a subtle floral crunch.
Unsalted butter (1 cup + 1/4 cup for frosting): Adds richness and a tender crumb when creamed.
Egg (1): Binds the dough and contributes to the cookie’s chewy texture.
Vanilla bean paste (2 tsp + 1 tsp for frosting): Boosts complexity with deep vanilla notes.
Culinary lavender (1 tbsp): Divided for sugar coating and frosting to create that signature floral lift.
Cream cheese (4 oz): Creates the luscious, smooth base of the frosting that pairs beautifully with the herbal notes.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting with a delicate texture.
Purple food coloring (optional): Adds a pretty pastel hue for visual appeal, channeling the gentle lavender theme.

How to Make London Fog Cookies with Earl Grey and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lavender Sugar

Start by grinding the culinary lavender until it’s finely ground to capture its aroma without being overpowering. Strain it through a sieve to avoid larger bits that might disrupt the texture. Mix half with granulated sugar to create a fragrant lavender sugar; this will be used to coat the cookies before baking, adding that delicate floral crunch that’s signature to this recipe.

Step 2: Infuse and Mix the Dry Ingredients

Next, pulse the Earl Grey tea leaves until they’re finely ground for optimal infusion into the cookie dough. Combine the ground tea with flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking until evenly mixed. This step ensures that the familiar, soothing flavor of Earl Grey spreads harmoniously throughout every bite of the cookie.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This creaming process is essential as it traps air, giving the cookies their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them so addictive.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one room temperature egg and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color. These ingredients add moisture and a rich, complex flavor, setting the foundation for cookies that taste as delightful as they feel.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar on low speed, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so it’s important to stop as soon as you achieve a uniform dough with those lovely Earl Grey flecks.

Step 6: Shape and Coat with Lavender Sugar

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls and gently roll them in the prepared lavender sugar, ensuring each bite will carry that enchanting floral hint. Place the balls spaced at least 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, then slightly flatten them into circles for even baking.

Step 7: Bake and Perfect the Shape

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 9 to 10 minutes, working in batches for best results. While still warm, press a large circular cookie cutter gently around the edge of each cookie to achieve a perfect round shape—this small step turns homemade cookies into elegantly finished treats.

Step 8: Prepare the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip together the cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, reserved lavender, vanilla bean paste, and optionally a drop of purple food coloring. Beat until the frosting is light and airy, the perfect balance to the buttery, floral cookies.

Step 9: Frost and Enjoy

Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting on each fully cooled cookie using a mini offset spatula for an even layer. The creamy, slightly tangy frosting pairs spectacularly with the aromatic, chewy cookies to create a bite that is nothing short of magic.

How to Serve London Fog Cookies with Earl Grey and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Several round cookies are laid out on a white marbled textured surface. Each cookie has two layers: a light brown base with small dark specks, and a smooth, softly swirled light purple frosting on top. Some of the frosting is sprinkled with tiny black and purple pieces. Near the cookies, there are small sprigs of purple flowers and a small white bowl filled with dark loose tea leaves and purple flower petals. Two small white flowers are also placed near the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish these cookies with a light sprinkle of edible lavender buds or a dusting of fine powdered sugar for a charming, professional touch. Tiny sprigs of fresh lavender can also be placed artfully around the serving platter to elevate the sensory experience, enhancing both aroma and presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or lavender-infused tea, bringing the London Fog concept to life. For a heartier pairing, consider a delicate fruit tart or a simple bowl of fresh berries that complement the floral and citrus notes without overpowering the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these London Fog Cookies with Earl Grey and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a rustic wooden board adorned with mini tea pots or vintage tea cups for a cozy afternoon tea setup. Alternatively, package them in translucent boxes tied with lavender sprigs as delightful gifts that friends and family will absolutely adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve that fresh-baked softness. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the frosting from sticking and keep each cookie looking pristine.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies before frosting by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Frost them once fully thawed to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds after bringing them to room temperature. Avoid reheating the frosting excessively, as it can soften too much, but a brief warming enhances the cookie’s chewy tenderness delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tea instead of Earl Grey for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor is iconic in these cookies, you can experiment with other black teas or even green tea for a different but equally delicious twist. Just make sure to finely grind the tea leaves to avoid bits of leaf in your dough.

Is it necessary to use culinary lavender in the recipe?

Using culinary lavender is highly recommended because it is specifically grown and processed for cooking, offering a safe, fragrant flavor. Avoid using decorative or non-culinary lavender, which may have pesticides or a bitter taste.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with another type?

You could try a simple vanilla buttercream or a lemon glaze, but the cream cheese frosting adds a luscious tang that balances the Earl Grey and lavender beautifully. It’s worth making the frosting as the recipe suggests to capture that classic London Fog cookie essence.

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

Chilling the dough briefly before baking can help control spreading. Additionally, rolling the dough balls slightly smaller and flattening them gently ensures even baking and the perfect round shape once cut with the cookie cutter.

What is the best way to grind the tea and lavender?

A food processor or spice grinder works best for achieving a fine, even powder. Straining the ground tea and lavender through a sieve afterward removes any coarse bits that might interfere with the texture of the cookies or frosting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about baking and sharing these London Fog Cookies with Earl Grey and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Whether you’re impressing friends at a tea party or simply craving a sweet, sophisticated treat, these cookies deliver warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance in every bite. Treat yourself to this delightful experience—you won’t regret turning your kitchen into the coziest tea haven.