London Fog Cookies

If you're a fan of cozy drinks and delicate desserts, you're going to fall in love with these London Fog Cookies. Inspired by the classic tea latte made with Earl Grey, steamed milk, and vanilla, these cookies bring all the comfort of a café favorite into a soft, buttery treat. I first whipped up a batch on a rainy weekend, craving something both soothing and sweet, and the result completely exceeded my expectations.

The cookie base is infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea, which pairs beautifully with a smooth, lightly lavender vanilla frosting. The texture is tender and cake-like, making every bite feel like a little indulgence. Whether you're looking to impress at a brunch, create a calm afternoon tea moment, or simply enjoy a twist on traditional cookies, these are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This London Fog Cookie Recipe

This recipe brings together the best of two worlds: the comforting flavors of your favorite tea latte and the satisfying bite of a homemade cookie. It's simple enough to make on a weekday but special enough for holidays or gifting. The aroma alone is reason enough to bake them—think vanilla, bergamot, and a whisper of lavender.

What Kind of Earl Grey Should I Use?

Loose leaf or high-quality tea bags will give you the best flavor. I prefer using loose leaf Earl Grey because the tea is usually more aromatic and fresh. If you use tea bags, make sure they’re fresh and vibrant—avoid stale or overly dusty blends. Some blends include added lavender, which can enhance the floral notes beautifully.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can skip it or replace it with a splash of vanilla or almond extract in the frosting. For dairy-free options, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. Gluten-free flour blends also work well here—just be sure to use one that includes xanthan gum for structure. Prefer a more citrusy note? Add a touch of lemon zest to the dough or frosting for a bright twist.

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Ingredients for this London Fog Cookie Recipe

• All-purpose flour – This gives the cookies structure and softness. Make sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid dense cookies.
• Earl Grey tea leaves – The heart of the recipe. These bring floral and citrusy bergamot notes into the dough.
• Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and gives them their soft, cakey texture.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors, especially the subtle tea and vanilla.
• Unsalted butter – Brings richness and softness to the dough. Room temperature is best for creaming.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookie base without overpowering the Earl Grey flavor.
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of molasses depth.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract – Pairs beautifully with the bergamot in the tea.
• Cream cheese – Used in the frosting for a tangy, creamy finish.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it that light, fluffy texture.
• Milk or heavy cream – Thins the frosting to your desired consistency.
• Lavender extract (optional) – A floral boost that elevates the cookie’s elegance.
• Purple food coloring (optional) – For a lovely lavender hue in the frosting.

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Step 1: Prepare the Tea

Pulse the Earl Grey tea leaves in a spice grinder or food processor until finely ground. This helps them blend smoothly into the cookie dough and release their flavor evenly.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground tea, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

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Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.

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Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The dough should look creamy and smooth.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies may become tough.

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Step 6: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavor.

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Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool completely before frosting.

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Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla, lavender extract (if using), and a splash of milk or cream. Add food coloring if desired. Beat until light and fluffy.

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Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Once cookies are cool, frost each one generously. Garnish with a light sprinkle of crushed Earl Grey tea leaves or dried lavender for an elegant touch.

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How Long to Prepare the London Fog Cookies

These cookies don’t take long to put together, but chilling the dough is key for the best texture.

Prep Time: It takes about 15–20 minutes to prep the dough, including grinding the tea, mixing the batter, and preparing the frosting base. Plan for an additional 30 minutes of dough chilling time.

Baking Time: Each batch bakes in just 10–12 minutes, and you'll want to let them cool completely before frosting—another 15–20 minutes.

Total Time: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to frosted cookies.

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Tips for Perfect London Fog Cookies

• Grind the tea finely: This ensures even distribution of flavor without any gritty texture.
• Don’t skip chilling: It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and makes them easier to shape.
• Room temperature butter and cream cheese: These blend more smoothly and create a better texture.
• Use parchment or silicone mats: This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents over-browning on the bottom.
• Frost only cooled cookies: Warm cookies will melt the frosting and ruin the look.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using old tea: Dull, stale tea won’t provide the rich flavor this recipe needs.
• Overmixing the dough: It can lead to dense, tough cookies.
• Skipping the chill time: Your cookies may spread too much and lose their soft texture.
• Adding too much milk to frosting: This can make the frosting runny. Add a teaspoon at a time.
• Overbaking: These cookies should stay pale; overbaking will dry them out.

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What to Serve With London Fog Cookies?

1. Earl Grey Latte

Match the flavors and create a cozy pairing by serving the cookies with a homemade London Fog drink.

2. Fresh Berries

Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet and floral cookies.

3. Lemon Curd

A dollop on the side brings a bright, zesty contrast that enhances the bergamot.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Create a dessert plate by sandwiching cookies around a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

5. Chamomile Tea

For a caffeine-free pairing that keeps the floral theme going.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost just before serving. You can also freeze the frosting separately.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie, assuming 18 cookies total)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 85mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Earl Grey taste like in cookies?

It brings a floral, citrusy, and slightly earthy note to the cookie, making it taste sophisticated and cozy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.

Is the lavender flavor overwhelming?

Not at all—it's optional and subtle. You can reduce or skip it if you're sensitive to floral flavors.

Can I use plant-based alternatives?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes for a vegan version. Make sure they are high-quality for the best result.

Why do my cookies look flat?

If you didn’t chill the dough or used melted butter, the cookies may spread too much. Also check that your baking powder is fresh.

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Conclusion

London Fog Cookies are a delightful treat that turn your favorite tea latte into a soft, elegant dessert. With the perfect balance of floral and sweet, they’re great for tea parties, gift boxes, or simply treating yourself. With a few thoughtful ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of bakery-worthy cookies that look as dreamy as they taste.

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