Name: London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: British-inspired
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 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar; 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg, at room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla bean paste; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for lavender sugar coating); 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender (divided for sugar and frosting); 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese; 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar; Reserved ground lavender (from lavender sugar preparation); 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; Purple food coloring, optional

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 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar

1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened

1 egg, at room temperature

2 tsp vanilla bean paste

1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for lavender sugar)

1/2 tbsp culinary lavender

4 oz (113 g) cream cheese

1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla bean paste (for frosting)

Purple food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Lavender Sugar. Pulse the culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground. Pass half through a sieve to remove large bits and set aside for the frosting. Mix the remaining ground lavender with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3: Grind Earl Grey tea in the food processor until finely ground, then sift to remove any large bits.

Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea.

Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on high with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Add the egg and 2 tsp vanilla bean paste; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.

Step 8: Scoop the dough using a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, roll into balls, and coat each ball in the lavender sugar mixture.

Step 9: Place the dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball and shape into a circle.

Step 10: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then use a large circular cookie cutter to perfect the shape while warm.

Step 11: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Prepare the frosting by beating together cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add powdered sugar, reserved ground lavender, 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, and optional purple food coloring. Mix until very fluffy.

Step 13: Once cookies are cooled, spread about 1 tbsp of frosting evenly on each using a mini offset spatula.

Step 14: Serve and enjoy these elegant London Fog Cookies alongside your favorite tea or coffee.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger Earl Grey flavor, steep the tea in a tablespoon of hot water before grinding to release the oils, then incorporate the wet paste into the dough with reduced flour.

If you can’t find culinary lavender, use dried lavender buds from a trusted source to ensure they’re safe for consumption.

Add a touch of lemon zest to the frosting for a bright, citrusy complement to the floral notes.

Use a different flavored tea like chamomile or rooibos for a unique spin on the cookies.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be mindful of the blend’s ingredients to ensure a similar texture, and monitor baking time as it may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

You can substitute vanilla bean paste with an equal amount of pure vanilla extract. The flavor will still be delicious, though the paste adds tiny vanilla specks and a richer aroma.