Print

London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

4.8 from 81 reviews

London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting are a delicate and aromatic treat inspired by the beloved Earl Grey tea latte. These soft cookies are infused with ground Earl Grey tea and coated with a fragrant lavender sugar, then topped with a creamy lavender cream cheese frosting that adds a floral, slightly sweet finish. Perfectly paired with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies bring a sophisticated touch to any afternoon snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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 1/2 cups (300 g total) granulated white sugar, divided
  • 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender
  • 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened (divided into 1 cup for dough and 1/4 cup for frosting)
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (divided into 2 tsp for dough and 1 tsp for frosting)
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
  • Purple food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lavender Sugar: Add the culinary lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass the ground lavender through a sieve to remove any large bits. Set aside half of the ground lavender for the frosting. Mix the remaining ground lavender with 1/2 cup (100 g) of granulated white sugar in a bowl; this mixture will be used to coat the cookie dough balls.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for even baking.
  3. Grind Earl Grey Tea: Pulse 3 tablespoons of Earl Grey tea leaves in a food processor until they are finely ground. Sift the ground tea to remove any large bits for a smooth texture in the dough.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the finely ground Earl Grey tea until evenly distributed.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (227 g) of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  6. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the batter is pale and fluffy.
  7. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until all components are combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  8. Form Cookie Balls: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Coat each dough ball thoroughly with the lavender sugar mixture prepared earlier for added flavor and texture.
  9. Arrange Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each ball with your hand and gently shape into circles for even baking.
  10. Bake Cookies: Bake 6 to 8 cookies at a time in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes. When baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently press and perfect the shape of each cookie.
  11. Cool Cookies: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting adheres well and does not melt.
  12. Prepare Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese with 1/4 cup (56 g) softened unsalted butter until fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar, reserved ground lavender, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and optional purple food coloring. Mix on medium speed until the frosting is very fluffy and well combined.
  13. Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread about 1 tablespoon of the lavender cream cheese frosting evenly on each cookie using a mini offset spatula for precision and a smooth finish.
  14. Serve: Enjoy these elegant London Fog Cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat or dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Coating the dough balls in lavender sugar adds a fragrant and subtly crunchy exterior.
  • Using a cookie cutter immediately after baking gives the cookies a professional, uniform look.
  • The optional purple food coloring in the frosting adds a beautiful lavender hue but can be omitted for a more natural appearance.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Keywords: London Fog Cookies, Earl Grey Cookies, Lavender Cookies, Tea Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Aromatic Cookies, Elegant Dessert, Afternoon Tea Treat