London Fog Rolls

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I’ve always had a soft spot for cozy, comforting pastries, especially when they come with a twist. These London Fog Rolls combine everything I love about a classic cinnamon roll with the delicate floral aroma of Earl Grey tea and the velvety finish of a creamy lavender glaze. The result? A treat that feels both indulgent and elegant, perfect for slow mornings or a lovely afternoon tea.

The inspiration came from my favorite rainy-day beverage—an Earl Grey latte, also known as a London Fog. I thought, why not take that warm, bergamot-infused flavor and roll it into a pillowy swirl of sweet dough? Topped with a lavender-vanilla glaze, these rolls are an experience that goes beyond breakfast—they’re practically a moment of calm on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This London Fog Rolls Recipe

These rolls are not your ordinary breakfast treat. The addition of brewed Earl Grey in the dough and filling gives them a sophisticated flavor profile. They’re soft and fluffy, but the tea-infused richness adds depth. The lavender glaze isn’t just beautiful—it brings a floral balance that perfectly complements the bergamot notes.

This recipe is a great make-ahead option for brunch or special occasions. Plus, it’s an excellent conversation starter. They look stunning on the table and taste even better.

What Kind of Tea Should I Use for London Fog Rolls?

I recommend using a strong, quality Earl Grey tea with real bergamot. Loose leaf is great if you have it, but a good tea bag brand will also do the trick. Since the tea flavor is the star here, the richer and more aromatic the better. You’ll steep it strong for the milk infusion and even use the ground leaves in the dough for that extra flavor punch.

Options for Substitutions

If you can’t find culinary lavender, you can skip the glaze and use a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze instead. For a dairy-free version, use oat or almond milk and vegan butter throughout the recipe—they work wonderfully and still give you that lush texture.

You can also swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed. Just keep in mind the dough might need a bit more moisture adjustment to stay soft and elastic.

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Ingredients for this London Fog Rolls Recipe

• All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
• Active dry yeast – Helps the rolls rise, creating that fluffy, pillowy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to both the dough and the filling.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Earl Grey tea (brewed and ground) – The signature flavor of this recipe; used in the dough, filling, and icing.
• Whole milk – Warmed and steeped with tea to infuse the dough with flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the dough and filling.
• Egg – Helps bind the dough and adds tenderness.
• Brown sugar – Used in the filling for a caramel-like depth.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the glaze and adds warmth.
• Powdered sugar – The base of the glaze, giving it a smooth sweetness.
• Culinary lavender (optional) – Adds floral notes to the glaze, tying the whole London Fog theme together.

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Step 1: Prepare the Tea Milk

Start by steeping two bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf) of Earl Grey tea in 1 cup of warm milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to fully infuse. Once steeped, strain and cool to lukewarm. This milk will be the aromatic heart of your dough.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Slowly pour in the lukewarm tea-infused milk, 1 beaten egg, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix until the dough begins to form.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, until it’s soft and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

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Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 4: Make the Filling

Mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves (from tea bags or loose leaf), and 1/4 cup softened butter. This mixture will create that fragrant, gooey swirl inside your rolls.

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Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the Earl Grey filling evenly over the surface. Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Cut into 10–12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

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Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again for about 30–40 minutes. They should puff up and begin to touch each other.

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Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, until golden on top and cooked through.

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Step 8: Make the Lavender Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp brewed Earl Grey tea (cooled), 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of finely ground culinary lavender. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or tea.

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Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes before glazing. Drizzle the lavender glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve fresh with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

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How Long to Prepare the London Fog Rolls

Prep Time: Preparing the dough, steeping the tea, and assembling the rolls takes about 30–40 minutes. Keep in mind that infusing the milk with Earl Grey and preparing the glaze can be done simultaneously while the dough is rising.

Rise and Bake Time: The first rise takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, followed by a second rise of 30–40 minutes after shaping. Baking requires 22–25 minutes. In total, you’re looking at roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish, with a good portion of that time being hands-off.

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Tips for Perfect London Fog Rolls

• Use fresh active yeast to ensure your rolls rise properly.
• Infuse the milk thoroughly with Earl Grey for deep, complex flavor.
• Let the dough double in size during the first rise; don’t rush it.
• For an even bake, space the rolls evenly in the pan.
• Add the glaze while the rolls are still slightly warm to let it melt slightly into the swirl.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the milk: If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast. Always cool it to lukewarm before using.
• Skipping the second rise: This leads to dense rolls with poor texture.
• Under- or over-baking: Check for golden tops and a firm center to avoid doughy rolls.
• Over-grinding tea leaves: Too fine, and they may add bitterness. You want a soft texture, not powder.
• Overcrowding the pan: Give the rolls room to expand.

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What to Serve With London Fog Rolls?

1. Earl Grey Latte

To mirror the flavors in the roll, a warm mug of London Fog tea is a natural match.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad

Something light and refreshing balances the sweetness and richness of the rolls.

3. Greek Yogurt with Honey

Adds protein to the breakfast table and pairs well with floral and citrusy notes.

4. Scrambled Eggs with Herbs

Savory eggs offer a great contrast to the sweetness of the roll.

5. Sparkling Lavender Lemonade

For a brunch option, this fizzy drink adds floral brightness that highlights the lavender glaze.

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Storage Instructions

At Room Temperature: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them.

Refrigerated: Keep them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly for up to 5 days. Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving to soften and refresh the glaze.

Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and add glaze before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (per roll, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 110mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a London Fog flavor made of?

A London Fog is typically a mix of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla. It has citrusy, floral, and creamy notes.

Can I make these rolls the night before?

Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp and rise 30 minutes before baking.

How do I make these vegan?

Use plant-based milk (like oat), vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water) in place of the regular egg.

Do I have to use lavender in the glaze?

Not at all. The glaze is flexible. You can skip the lavender or use a simple vanilla or lemon glaze.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, you can use the same amount, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

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Conclusion

London Fog Rolls are more than just a breakfast pastry—they’re an aromatic, flavorful tribute to tea lovers. With the deep essence of Earl Grey infused in every bite and a soft lavender kiss on top, these rolls are a celebration of calm, comfort, and creativity. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these bakery-worthy rolls are a stunning addition to your recipe collection.

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