Name: London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 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; 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender; 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese; 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; Purple food coloring (optional)

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If you’re anything like me and love a good twist on classic cookies, then you’re going to adore this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe. It’s got this amazing Earl Grey tea flavor infused right into the cookie dough, which makes every bite feel like a cozy moment at your favorite café. Plus, the gentle floral note from the lavender frosting pairs beautifully with that bergamot tea flavor, making it a memorable treat to share with friends or just keep all to yourself.

I remember making these for a weekend brunch once, and they were such a hit that I ended up making a double batch the next day! What makes this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe special is how approachable it is—you don’t need to be a baking pro, and I’ll walk you through some tips so your cookies come out perfectly soft with just the right crumb. Trust me, these are worth taking the time to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right quality ingredients really brings this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe together. I prefer using fresh culinary lavender for the sugar, and don’t skip the Earl Grey tea leaves—they’re the star of the show here!

Earl Grey tea: Use loose-leaf if you can—it releases more flavor into the dough than pre-packaged tea bags.
All purpose flour: Spoon and level it for accuracy, which helps your cookies keep the perfect texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: These help give the cookies a light, tender crumb—don’t skip them!
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the tea flavor.
Granulated white sugar: Both in the dough and lavender sugar; granulated sugar gives just the right crunch and sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Soften it to room temperature for creamy dough and frosting.
Egg: At room temperature, it helps bind everything together smoothly.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds a natural vanilla depth, much better than extract in my opinion.
Culinary lavender: Look for food-grade lavender to make your lavender sugar—it imparts a lovely floral aroma without bitterness.
Cream cheese: For that luscious frosting base; use full-fat for the best flavor and texture.
Powdered sugar: Sift it for smooth, lump-free frosting.
Purple food coloring (optional): I love a subtle touch of color to complement the lavender flavor.

Variations

These London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe are naturally versatile, so I like to play around with it depending on the season or mood. You can tweak the frosting or even add a little spice to the cookies.

Gluten-free: I’ve swapped the all purpose flour for a mix of almond and gluten-free flours with great success—you just might want to tweak the baking times a bit.
Vegan option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a vegan cream cheese alternative. It works surprisingly well!
Citrus twist: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the dough brightens the flavors beautifully if you want more zing alongside the bergamot.
Frosting alternatives: Try a simple lavender glaze or even a subtle honey buttercream if you want less sweetness.

How to Make London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Flour with Earl Grey Tea

Start by crushing the Earl Grey tea leaves gently using a mortar and pestle or by pulsing quickly in a spice grinder—this helps release all those fragrant bergamot oils right into the flour. Then, whisk the crushed tea into the flour along with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly is crucial because it ensures each cookie picks up that signature tea flavor without clumps.

Step 2: Make the Lavender Sugar

Combine half a cup of granulated sugar with the culinary lavender and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar smells wonderfully floral. This step is one of my favorites because it really unlocks the lavender’s delicate aroma, which makes the frosting truly special later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar from the cookie dough until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Don’t rush this step—it helps create tender cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla bean paste to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. You want to keep the batter airy but avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies. If you forget to bring your egg to room temperature, you can gently warm it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes—I’ve done it plenty of times with great results.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Here, patience is key—overworking the dough can lead to denser cookies. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold when pressed.

Step 6: Chill and Shape the Cookies

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking. Once chilled, scoop dough into small balls and roll them in the lavender sugar before placing on your baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden. I like to check them a minute early because you want them soft inside, not crispy. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, mixing until fluffy. If you want, add a drop or two of purple food coloring for that pretty lavender hue. This frosting is silky, slightly tangy, and the perfect floral complement to the tea-infused cookie.

Step 9: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost generously with the lavender cream cheese frosting using a knife or piping bag if you’re feeling fancy. Trust me, the combination of the warm tea flavor and cool frosting is irresistible. Enjoy immediately or let the frosting set a bit for a firm finish.

How to Serve London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

The image shows six white bowls and a single brown egg arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, a bowl filled with dark brown dried tea leaves or similar small pieces is visible. To the right, a square white dish holds a thick, rectangular block of pale yellow butter. Below, on the left, a bowl contains white flour with some lumps. Next to the flour and slightly above, there is a whole brown egg resting on the surface with a small bunch of fresh green herbs nearby. To the right of the egg, a bowl holds fine white granulated sugar. At the bottom of the image, two bowls are placed side by side, the left one filled with coarse salt and the right one filled with soft white cheese or cream, chunky in texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing these cookies with a sprinkle of dried lavender buds or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the delicate floral aesthetic. Sometimes I even add a tiny edible flower on top for special occasions—makes the cookie feel extra special and Instagram-worthy!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or even a creamy chai latte. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a light salad, balancing the richness and floral sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or tea parties, I arrange the London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe on a tiered cake stand with some sprigs of fresh lavender for a rustic, elegant display. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying with twine makes them lovely handmade gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They usually last about 3-4 days, though if I’m honest, they tend to get eaten much faster in my house!

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. I pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw them completely before frosting. This saves time and you still get that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover cookies fresh, I let them come to room temperature if frozen, or warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 4-5 minutes. This softens the cookie without melting the frosting too much—just enough to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose tea for this recipe?

Absolutely! While loose-leaf Earl Grey offers a richer flavor, you can carefully open a couple of tea bags and use the leaves inside. Just make sure to remove any paper bits and crush the leaves a bit to release their aroma for the best results.
Is the lavender frosting very strong in flavor?

The lavender frosting is gently floral—not overpowering at all. Using culinary lavender sugar helps infuse just the right amount of aroma, balancing beautifully with the cream cheese’s tanginess. If you’re worried, start with a smaller amount of lavender and adjust to your taste.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese in the frosting. I recommend trying a small test batch to ensure the texture and flavor meet your preferences.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies to enjoy later.
What’s the best way to soften butter if I forgot to bring it to room temperature?

A quick trick is to cut the butter into small cubes and microwave it on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking frequently. Alternatively, place the butter between sheets of parchment paper and roll it flat with a rolling pin, which softens it evenly without melting.

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines comforting and floral flavors in a way that’s both sophisticated and approachable. I hope you give it a try—you’ll discover how simple ingredients like tea and lavender can transform ordinary cookies into something truly memorable. Treat yourself, share with loved ones, and savor those cozy moments one delicious bite at a time.