Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These London Fog Cookies have the perfect balance of flavors: the bold, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea, the floral hint of lavender, and the creamy sweetness of butter and sugar. They’re easy to make, with simple pantry ingredients and a few special touches that elevate the flavor. Plus, the infusion of tea creates a soft and tender texture, making these cookies a unique and indulgent treat for any occasion. The aroma alone will have everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons loose Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags)
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender (edible)
- 1 tablespoon milk (adjust as necessary)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents clumps in the dough.
Step 3: Infuse the Tea
In a small bowl, combine the loose Earl Grey tea with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it steep for about 5 minutes. After steeping, strain the tea to remove the leaves and allow it to cool.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is important for creating a smooth, airy texture in the cookies.
Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until smooth, making sure the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 6: Blend in Tea and Lavender
Gradually add the cooled, strained Earl Grey tea and dried lavender to the wet mixture, mixing well to combine. The tea and lavender will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dough.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. If the dough is too dry or crumbly, add a little milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough reaches the desired consistency.
Step 8: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The center should still be soft, as they will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.
Step 10: Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18-24 cookies (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes (including cooling time)
Variations
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for an extra citrus kick that complements the Earl Grey tea.
- Chai Spice: Swap the lavender for a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and cardamom for a chai-inspired flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an added touch of sweetness.
- Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring them back to freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?
Yes, you can use 2 Earl Grey tea bags as a substitute for the loose tea in this recipe.
2. Can I omit the lavender?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of lavender, you can skip it. The Earl Grey tea alone will provide plenty of flavor.
3. Can I use a different type of tea?
Yes, you can experiment with other teas such as chamomile or green tea, but Earl Grey provides a unique citrusy flavor that complements the lavender well.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
5. Can I add more sugar for extra sweetness?
If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can increase the sugar by a tablespoon or two, but be careful not to overpower the delicate tea and lavender flavor.
6. Can I substitute the butter with something else?
You can use softened coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
7. How can I make the cookies crunchier?
For crunchier cookies, increase the baking time by 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
8. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for beating the butter and sugar, as well as incorporating the other ingredients.
9. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
10. Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Conclusion
These London Fog Cookies are a truly unique treat that combines the flavors of Earl Grey tea and lavender in a soft, delicious cookie. They’re the perfect balance of floral and citrusy flavors, making them a great choice for tea lovers or anyone looking to try something new. Whether you’re serving them with a cup of tea or as a special dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
London Fog Cookies
These London Fog Cookies offer the delightful flavors of Earl Grey tea and lavender in a soft, tender cookie. With a hint of citrus and floral notes, these cookies are a perfect treat for tea lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 18-24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 teaspoons loose Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags)
1 teaspoon dried lavender (edible)
1 tablespoon milk (adjust as necessary)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Infuse the tea: Combine Earl Grey tea with hot water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and cool.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Blend in tea and lavender: Add the cooled tea and dried lavender, then mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually stir in dry ingredients. If dough is dry, add a little milk until desired consistency.
- Scoop cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
If you prefer sweeter cookies, increase sugar slightly, but be mindful of the tea and lavender flavor balance.
For crunchier cookies, increase baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
