London Fog Cookies

These delightful London Fog Cookies are a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. With their soft, chewy texture and the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey and lavender, they make a perfect companion for your afternoon tea. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will impress with their unique taste and elegant presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender creates a sophisticated flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing.
• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward with simple steps, making it accessible for everyone.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for tea parties, brunches, or as a sweet treat at home – versatile enough for any gathering!
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with silky lavender cream cheese frosting, they not only taste great but also look stunning on any dessert table.
• Chewy Texture: The soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers paired with tender edges create a cookie experience that you won’t forget.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools beforehand. These items will help ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare different ingredients separately without any mess.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents warping in the oven.

Ingredients

To create these enchanting London Fog Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 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

For the Frosting

• 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
• 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• purple food coloring (optional)

How to Make London Fog Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
* Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Earl Grey tea. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl:
1. Add the softened butter and granulated white sugar.
2. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla bean paste until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined.
2. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon:
* Portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
* Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
* Bake for about 9 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
* Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 7: Prepare Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat together cream cheese and softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing.
3. Stir in culinary lavender and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled:
* Spread a generous layer of lavender cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Enjoy your homemade London Fog Cookies with your favorite tea!

How to Serve London Fog Cookies

These London Fog Cookies are a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with various beverages and snacks. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Tea

• Earl Grey Tea: Enjoy the full flavor of Earl Grey by pairing it with your cookies. The citrusy notes complement the lavender beautifully.
• Chamomile Tea: The calming flavors of chamomile create a soothing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, perfect for a cozy afternoon.

With Coffee

• Cappuccino: The rich foam and bold flavor of cappuccino make it an excellent match for the chewy texture of the cookies.
• Iced Coffee: A refreshing iced coffee can balance the sweetness of the cookies, adding a cool touch on warm days.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Serve alongside assorted cookies for a fun dessert platter, offering variety for guests.
• Fruit and Cheese: Pair with fresh fruits and mild cheeses to create a balanced snack spread that enhances the cookie flavors.

How to Perfect London Fog Cookies

Getting the perfect texture and flavor in your London Fog Cookies is easy with these simple tips.

• Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to ensure consistent results in texture.
• Bold Chill Dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps achieve that soft, chewy center.
• Bold Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven while they’re still slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your Earl Grey tea and lavender are fresh for the best flavor infusion in your cookies.
• Bold Experiment with Frosting: Try adding different flavors to your lavender cream cheese frosting, like lemon or vanilla, for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for London Fog Cookies

Serving London Fog Cookies is even more delightful when paired with complementary side dishes. Here’s a list of great options.

1. Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add freshness and acidity that contrast nicely with sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese provide a creamy balance that pairs well with cookie sweetness.
3. Nut Mix: A mix of almonds, walnuts, or pecans offers crunch and earthy flavors that enhance the overall snack experience.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a textural contrast that complements the softness of the cookies.
5. Chocolate Bark: Dark chocolate bark adds richness and can be broken into pieces for sharing alongside your cookies.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each cookie can elevate their flavor profile, making them indulgent treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making London fog cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Using stale tea: Always use fresh Earl Grey tea for the best flavor. Old tea can result in bland cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature to create a smooth dough. Cold ingredients can affect how they mix.
• Underbaking the cookies: Keep a close eye on baking time. Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing London Fog Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze them individually, then layer with parchment paper.

Reheating London Fog Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy warm and gooey!
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making London fog cookies, here are some answers.

What are London Fog Cookies?

London fog cookies are soft and chewy treats flavored with Earl Grey tea and lavender, often topped with cream cheese frosting.

Can I customize my London Fog Cookies?

Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness or add more lavender based on your preference. Consider adding white chocolate chips for extra flavor.

How do I store leftover London Fog Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan version of London fog cookies.

Final Thoughts

These London fog cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their unique flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they pair perfectly with tea or coffee. Feel free to experiment with additional flavors or toppings to make them truly your own!