London Fog Cookies
Soft London Fog cookies flavored with Earl Grey and lavender. Easy steps, tips for grinding tea, rolling in lavender vanilla sugar, storage and swaps.
These London Fog Cookies are infused with flavors of Earl Grey tea and our Ultra-Blue Lavender Flower Buds. Enjoy with a cup of tea!
This recipe comes from our friend Sheri Siver.
Yield: 20-24 cookies
- These cookies combine Earl Grey bergamot and lavender for a delicate tea-flavored cookie with golden edges and a soft center.
- Grind the tea leaves and lavender, melt butter with them, then mix, scoop, roll in lavender vanilla sugar, and bake 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F.
- You can swap decaf tea, use a double boiler instead of a microwave, freeze dough balls, or adapt to vegan or gluten-free with common substitutes.
Preparation Instructions:
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees; line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Open the tea bags and pour the leaves into a small food processor or spice grinder, along with the lavender buds. Process till finely ground and pour into a large heatproof mixing bowl. Add the butter and microwave till just melted; let sit for 5 minutes (see Note, below).
Add both sugars to the bowl and beat till smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and beat again. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and beat till just combined.
Pour the lavender vanilla sugar into a small bowl; set aside.
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough evenly between your 2 baking sheets. Working with one scoop at a time, roll into a ball and gently roll in the lavender vanilla sugar till completely coated. Return to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining scoops.
Bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or till golden brown around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Note: If you don’t want to use a microwave, place a heatproof bowl with the butter, ground tea leaves and lavender buds over a pan filled with barely simmering water. Melt the butter and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does London Fog flavor mean in these cookies?
London Fog refers to Earl Grey tea with bergamot oil. In these cookies the bergamot notes from the tea plus lavender create a floral, citrusy tea cookie.
How do I make lavender vanilla sugar?
Mix granulated sugar with dried lavender buds and a split vanilla bean or a small splash of vanilla extract. Pulse in a food processor or shake in a jar and let sit at least a day to meld flavors. Strain out large pieces before using if you prefer finer sugar.
Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes. Open tea bags or use loose leaf Earl Grey. Either works. The recipe calls for finely grinding the leaves so they distribute evenly in the dough.
How can I grind the tea leaves and lavender without a spice grinder?
Use a mortar and pestle, chop very finely with a sharp knife, or pulse in a blender. If you have none of these, you can infuse the melted butter with tea and lavender over low heat and strain out solids, though the texture will differ.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Keep the butter just melted and not hot, chill dough for 10 to 20 minutes if it feels too soft, and avoid over-mixing once flour is added. Also use room temperature egg, not warm, and bake on a cool sheet for consistent results.
Can I make the dough ahead or freeze the cookies?
Yes. Scoop dough balls, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen adding 1 to 2 minutes to the time. Baked cookies keep 3 to 4 days in an airtight container or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
To make vegan, use a plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may change slightly, so chill the dough if it spreads.
Is the amount of lavender in the recipe safe for children and pregnant people?
The recipe uses a culinary amount of dried lavender (about 1 tablespoon) which is generally safe for most people. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions, check with your healthcare provider before using concentrated lavender.
What does London Fog flavor mean in these cookies?
London Fog refers to Earl Grey tea with bergamot oil. In these cookies the bergamot notes from the tea plus lavender create a floral, citrusy tea cookie.
How do I make lavender vanilla sugar?
Mix granulated sugar with dried lavender buds and a split vanilla bean or a small splash of vanilla extract. Pulse in a food processor or shake in a jar and let sit at least a day to meld flavors. Strain out large pieces before using if you prefer finer sugar.
Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes. Open tea bags or use loose leaf Earl Grey. Either works. The recipe calls for finely grinding the leaves so they distribute evenly in the dough.
How can I grind the tea leaves and lavender without a spice grinder?
Use a mortar and pestle, chop very finely with a sharp knife, or pulse in a blender. If you have none of these, you can infuse the melted butter with tea and lavender over low heat and strain out solids, though the texture will differ.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Keep the butter just melted and not hot, chill dough for 10 to 20 minutes if it feels too soft, and avoid over-mixing once flour is added. Also use room temperature egg, not warm, and bake on a cool sheet for consistent results.
Can I make the dough ahead or freeze the cookies?
Yes. Scoop dough balls, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen adding 1 to 2 minutes to the time. Baked cookies keep 3 to 4 days in an airtight container or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
To make vegan, use a plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may change slightly, so chill the dough if it spreads.
Is the amount of lavender in the recipe safe for children and pregnant people?
The recipe uses a culinary amount of dried lavender (about 1 tablespoon) which is generally safe for most people. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions, check with your healthcare provider before using concentrated lavender.
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