London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

If you’re a fan of unique, fragrant cookies that taste like a comforting hug in dessert form, then you’re going to absolutely adore my London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe. These delicate treats marry the classic Earl Grey tea’s bergamot notes with a dreamy lavender-infused cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. When I first tried them, I was hooked — and I can’t wait to share exactly how to make these show-stopping cookies with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe plays a role in building those lovely flavors and textures. From the fragrant Earl Grey to the softened butter that helps these cookies maintain tenderness, here’s why I love each component — plus some handy tips for picking the best versions.

• Earl Grey Tea: I use loose leaf for better flavor and grind it fresh to fully capture that citrusy bergamot aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level for accurate measurement to keep your cookies from turning out cakey or dense.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt: These small but mighty ingredients help the cookies rise gently and balance the flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and that bit of crunch when you roll dough in the lavender sugar.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams beautifully with sugar — this is key for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
• Egg: Brings richness and binds everything together; make sure it’s at room temp to avoid curdling the mix.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: I prefer this over extract for a more intense, natural vanilla flavor that complements the tea and lavender.
• Culinary Lavender: Culinary grade is a must here — it’s fragrant but safe to eat and adds that floral punch to both sugar and frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the frosting; softened like the butter for a smoother blend.
• Powdered Sugar: For that silky frosting texture that’s sweet but not grainy.
• Purple Food Coloring (Optional): Just a drop if you want to jazz up your frosting with a gentle lavender hue.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe is how adaptable it is. Depending on your mood or pantry staples, you can tweak it in some delightful ways that don’t sacrifice any of that signature flavor.

• Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped in a gluten-free flour blend, and while the texture was a bit different, the flavor truly shone through—just be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replacing butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg works well if you’re plant-based, though the texture gets a touch denser.
• Lavender Intensity: If you prefer a subtler floral note, start with less lavender in the sugar and frosting—you can always add more next time.
• Tea Variations: While Earl Grey is classic, try substituting with a chai blend or jasmine tea for a unique twist that’s just as mesmerizing.

How to Make London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Grind Your Lavender and Tea for Maximum Aroma

First things first, add your culinary lavender to a food processor and pulse it until it’s finely ground—passing it through a sieve helps you avoid any large lavender bits that might be overpowering to bite into. Reserve half of this finely ground lavender for your frosting. Then, mix the other half with your granulated sugar to create the lavender sugar coating.

Next, do the same with your Earl Grey tea: pulse it until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency, then sift it to keep the flavor smooth and consistent throughout your cookie dough. This extra step is what gives these London Fog Cookies their authentic, fragrant kick.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar to Cloud-Like Fluffiness

In a mixing bowl, cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture is very light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This is where the magic starts: beating in air helps your cookies stay tender and gives them that soft bite you’ll love. I’ve found that scraping down your bowl once or twice during this step ensures even creaming and a smoother dough.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla for Richness

Mix in the egg and vanilla bean paste on medium speed until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. It’s important your egg is at room temperature here, or you might end up with a lumpy batter. I once learned the hard way—cold eggs really slow down this step, so plan on pulling your egg out of the fridge ahead of time.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Gently

Whisk together your sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea. Then, add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender. I usually stop mixing as soon as I don’t see any streaks of flour — patience is key!

Step 5: Form Cookies and Roll in Lavender Sugar

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out cookie dough balls. Then roll each one generously in the lavender sugar you made earlier. This little extra step adds a heavenly crunch and that delicate floral sweetness on top that will make these cookies unforgettable.

Step 6: Bake and Shape for Perfection

Place the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly and try to form each into a neat circle — you can see my little trick in the photo above: after baking, I use a round cookie cutter to gently perfect their shape while they’re still warm.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-10 minutes, then let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. They’ll be tender and fragrant right out of the oven, but also delicate, so handle carefully!

Step 7: Whip Up the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies bake and cool, it’s time to make the frosting. Beat your softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then add powdered sugar, the reserved finely ground lavender, and vanilla bean paste; mix again until the frosting is silky and airy. If you want a fun touch, a drop or two of purple food coloring gives it that pretty lavender hue.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy!

Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of that gorgeous lavender cream cheese frosting on each one. I like to use a mini offset spatula for precision and a smooth finish. Here’s where you can get creative with your presentation or simply enjoy them as-is — either way, I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds.

How to Serve London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a tiny sprinkle of dried lavender buds or a little edible glitter for a special occasion — it makes these cookies look almost too pretty to eat. Fresh lavender sprigs on the side can also elevate your presentation if you’re serving them for tea or dessert.

Side Dishes

Pair these London Fog Cookies with a cup of Earl Grey tea (to double down on the flavors!) or a light floral tea like chamomile or jasmine. A glass of cold milk or even an herbal lemonade complements the floral and citrus flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, arrange these cookies on a tiered cake stand with fresh edible flowers like violets or pansies. I’ve also tried sandwiching the cookies with a thin layer of lemon curd under the frosting for a tart surprise that guest’s rave about. The lavender frosting pairs wonderfully with other soft pastel-colored desserts for spring or Mother’s Day gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge because of the cream cheese frosting. They keep well for about 3-4 days — just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to avoid sogginess. Let them sit at room temperature before serving to bring back their soft, tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the unfrosted cookies first, layered between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. You can thaw them and then add fresh frosting when ready to serve. This keeps the textures and flavors fresh and vibrant — I learned this the hard way after a not-so-great frozen frosted cookie experience!

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to enjoy leftovers is to let them come to room temperature naturally. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave revives that soft, warm feel without melting the frosting into a mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to treats whenever I want something casual yet a little special — and trust me, once you make them, you’ll understand why. The calming flavors of Earl Grey paired with subtle floral lavender are utterly irresistible, and your kitchen will smell amazing the entire time. So grab your mixing bowl, invite a few friends over, and bake these wonderful cookies together — you’re definitely going to make some sweet memories.

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