Introduction

These London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting combine the fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea and delicate lavender for a unique, elegant treat. Soft and flavorful, they pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of soft round cookies each topped with one thick swirl of pale purple frosting with a smooth and creamy texture, garnished with small dried purple flower petals on top. The cookies rest on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. To the side, there is a white bowl filled with dried purple flower buds. Some loose white flowers are also placed near the bowl, adding to the soft, delicate feel of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Prepare Lavender Sugar: Add the lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to remove large bits and set aside half for the frosting. Mix the remaining ground lavender with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a bowl and set aside.
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Grind Earl Grey Tea: Pulse Earl Grey tea in a food processor until finely ground, then sift out any large bits.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the ground Earl Grey tea.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and 2 tsp vanilla bean paste on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
Form Cookie Balls: Scoop dough using a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, roll into balls, then coat each ball in lavender sugar.
Arrange Cookies: Place dough balls at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball and shape into a circle.
Bake Cookies: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes. Once baked, let sit on sheet for 5 minutes. Use a large circular cookie cutter to perfect the shape while cookies are warm.
Cool Cookies: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese and 1/4 cup 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.
Frost Cookies: When cookies have cooled, spread about 1 tbsp of frosting evenly on each using a mini offset spatula.
Serve: Enjoy these elegant London Fog Cookies with tea or coffee.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger tea flavor, increase the Earl Grey tea to 4 tablespoons, grinding finely before adding.
If culinary lavender is unavailable, substitute with a few drops of high-quality lavender extract for the frosting.
Use a mini offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread frosting neatly and evenly over each cookie.
Adding a drop of purple food coloring in the frosting enhances the lavender theme but is completely optional.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. The frosting may soften when chilled; gently re-spread if needed. These cookies also freeze well for up to 2 months—freeze unfrosted and frost after thawing for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a plate of several round sugar cookies, each topped with one thick layer of smooth, swirled light purple frosting. The frosting is glossy and creamy, with small lavender flower petals sprinkled on top for decoration. The cookies are light golden brown with a soft texture. The white oval plate sits on a white marbled surface, and nearby there is a small white bowl filled with dried lavender buds. A white flower is placed next to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use tea bags instead of loose Earl Grey tea?

Yes, you can use Earl Grey tea bags. Remove the leaves from the bags and grind them finely before using to get the best flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the frosting?

Cream cheese adds a tangy richness to the frosting that balances the sweetness and floral notes. You can substitute with unsalted butter for a simpler frosting, but the flavor will be different.