Ever wished you could capture the cozy, comforting essence of a London Fog latte in a bite-sized treat? These London Fog Cookies do just that. We’ve transformed the beloved tea beverage—a warm blend of Earl Grey, steamed milk, and vanilla—into a delicate, buttery cookie. Infused with fragrant bergamot and a whisper of lavender, these cookies are sophisticated, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to bake your new favorite cookie.
What Are London Fog Cookies?
London Fog Cookies are a type of shortbread or sugar cookie inspired by the popular tea latte, the “London Fog.” The drink’s signature flavor comes from Earl Grey tea, which is black tea infused with bergamot oil. Our cookie recipe captures this unique taste by infusing butter with high-quality Earl Grey tea. We also add a hint of culinary lavender and a touch of vanilla to perfectly replicate the latte’s aromatic and creamy profile. The result is a crisp-edged, chewy-centered cookie that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: A sophisticated taste that stands out from typical cookie recipes. The perfect balance of floral, citrusy, and sweet notes.
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, with the most important part being the tea infusion, which is simple to master.
- Perfectly Textured: Crisp edges give way to a soft, chewy center, creating an irresistible mouthfeel.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for an elegant afternoon tea, a unique addition to a holiday cookie platter, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. If you enjoy these, you might also love our Salted Honey Cinnamon Cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses standard cookie ingredients with the addition of a few key items to create that signature London Fog flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: The base of our cookie, which we’ll infuse with tea.
- Earl Grey Tea: Use 4 tea bags or 2 tablespoons of high-quality loose-leaf tea for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
- Granulated & Powdered Sugar: A mix of both sugars creates the perfect chewy texture and sweetness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Complements the tea and lavender flavors.
- Culinary Lavender: Optional, but highly recommended for an authentic London Fog taste. A little goes a long way!
- Baking Soda: Our leavening agent.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
How to Make London Fog Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious tea-infused cookies right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Infuse the Butter
Start by gently melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the contents of the Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Let the mixture steep on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil. Afterward, strain the butter through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves. Discard the leaves and let the infused butter cool to room temperature until it solidifies slightly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cooled, infused butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a great cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, culinary lavender (if using), baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just a few streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
This step is non-negotiable for preventing spread and deepening the flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for an even more pronounced flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best London Fog Cookies
- Use Quality Tea: The flavor of your cookies depends entirely on the quality of your Earl Grey tea. Choose a brand you love to drink.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough solidifies the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and concentrating the tea flavor.
- Properly Measure Flour: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour and lead to dry cookies. For another recipe where texture is key, try these bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.
- Watch the Lavender: Culinary lavender is potent. Start with a small amount, as too much can make your cookies taste soapy.
Recipe Variations
While the classic London Fog flavor is divine, you can easily customize these cookies.
- Lemon Glaze: Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and fresh lemon juice to complement the bergamot in the Earl Grey.
- White Chocolate: Fold in a cup of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) in place of the chicken egg.
How to Store Your Cookies
Store your London Fog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them directly from frozen; just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
These cookies have a balanced sweetness that allows the delicate tea and lavender flavors to shine through. They are less sweet than a typical chocolate chip cookie and have a more sophisticated, nuanced taste.
Yes, you can omit the lavender if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious, with the primary flavor being the Earl Grey tea and vanilla, much like an Earl Grey shortbread cookie.
Absolutely! High-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea often provides a better flavor. Use approximately 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea as a substitute for the 4 tea bags in this recipe.
The key is to properly infuse the butter. Let the tea leaves steep in the melted butter over low heat for at least 10-15 minutes. For an even deeper flavor, let the dough chill in the refrigerator overnight.
A London Fog has a unique flavor profile that is both floral and citrusy with creamy, sweet undertones. It comes from Earl Grey tea (bergamot-infused black tea), vanilla syrup, and steamed milk. Our cookies capture this exact flavor.
Share Your Baking Success!
We are certain that this London Fog Cookies recipe will become a new favorite in your baking rotation. They offer a unique and elegant flavor that is perfect for any occasion. If you loved making these, please leave a comment below or share your beautiful creations on Pinterest! For a different kind of sweet treat, check out our Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
London Fog Cookies Recipe
London Fog Cookies: The Perfect Earl Grey & Lavender Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the contents of the tea bags. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it doesn't boil. Strain the butter through a fine-mesh sieve and let it cool to a solid, room-temperature state.
- In a large bowl, beat the cooled, infused butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, culinary lavender (if using), baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 1.5-tablespoon balls of dough onto the sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until edges are golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Notes
Ensure the culinary lavender is finely chopped before adding it to the dry ingredients.
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
