London Fog Cookies

These London Fog Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the soothing flavors of Earl Grey tea and lavender into a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, from casual tea time to festive gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique taste and elegant appearance. Topped with a silky lavender cream cheese frosting, they deliver an unforgettable flavor experience that pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of Earl Grey and lavender creates a sophisticated taste that sets these cookies apart from traditional options.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of chewy centers and tender edges in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions, these cookies can be enjoyed at tea parties, gift-giving, or just as an everyday snack.
• Beautiful Presentation: The addition of lavender cream cheese frosting adds a touch of elegance that makes them visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious London Fog Cookies, gather the necessary tools to streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving the right texture when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Baking sheets: Provide even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.

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Ingredients

To make these irresistible London Fog Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 Lavender Cream Cheese 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 Sheets

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

Step 2: Infuse the Tea Flavor

In a small bowl, steep the Earl Grey tea in 3 tablespoons of hot water for about 5 minutes. This will help extract the flavor. Once steeped, let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
* all-purpose flour
* baking powder
* baking soda
* salt

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl, beat together:
* Softened unsalted butter
* Granulated white sugar

Cream them on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla Paste

Add in the room-temperature egg, along with the cooled tea infusion and vanilla bean paste. Beat until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 9 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. They will look slightly underbaked; that’s perfect for softness!

Step 9: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Prepare Frosting

While cookies cool, prepare your frosting by beating together:
* Cream cheese
* Softened unsalted butter

Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in culinary lavender and vanilla bean paste. If desired, add purple food coloring for a decorative touch.

Step 11: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled, generously spread frosting on each cookie.

Enjoy your delightful London Fog Cookies with a warm beverage!

How to Serve London Fog Cookies

These London Fog Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to enjoy these cookies.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your London Fog Cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a harmonious flavor experience. The bergamot notes in the tea complement the cookies beautifully.

Enjoy with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a refreshing touch.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a dessert platter with other sweet treats like brownies or shortbread. This variety will impress your guests during gatherings.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Transform your London Fog Cookies into ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or lavender-flavored ice cream between two cookies. A delightful twist!

Drizzle with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over the cookies can enhance their flavor and add a touch of elegance. This is especially nice if you’re serving them at an afternoon tea.

How to Perfect London Fog Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of London Fog Cookies requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines for cookie perfection.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Quality butter and fresh Earl Grey tea make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps to prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; take them out when they look slightly underbaked for that soft, chewy center.
• Experiment with Frosting: Try adding different flavors to your cream cheese frosting, such as lemon zest or almond extract, for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for London Fog Cookies

If you’re looking to enhance your dessert table, here are some delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with London Fog Cookies.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your spread. The natural sweetness pairs well with the rich cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast. Add some nuts and dried fruit for variety.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookies nicely, making for an enjoyable snack combination.
4. Mini Scones: Offer mini scones flavored with lemon or lavender alongside your cookies for a delightful tea-time experience.
5. Whipped Cream Dip: Serve a light whipped cream dip infused with vanilla or lavender as an accompaniment for dipping.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These indulgent treats add decadence to your dessert spread while balancing sweetness with their slight bitterness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making London Fog Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect your results.

• Using stale tea: Ensure your Earl Grey tea is fresh for the best flavor. Old tea loses its aromatic qualities, impacting your cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level the flour to avoid packing it into the cup. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Use butter and eggs at room temperature for better mixing and texture. Cold ingredients can result in uneven baking.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps them set properly.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaked cookies can become hard instead of soft and chewy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing London Fog Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.

Reheating London Fog Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making London Fog Cookies, you’re in the right place!

What are London Fog Cookies?

London Fog Cookies are soft and chewy treats flavored with Earl Grey tea and lavender, topped with creamy lavender frosting.

How do I enhance the flavor of my London Fog Cookies?

Consider adding a touch more culinary lavender or even some lemon zest for added brightness.

Can I make London Fog Cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

What can I pair with London Fog Cookies?

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing their flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These London Fog Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their unique flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they make an excellent treat any time of day. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or different extracts!