London Fog Cookies: Earl Grey & Lavender Magic
I’ve always been drawn to unique flavor combinations, the kind of pairings that surprise you but also make perfect sense once you taste them. For me, that “aha” moment happened the first time I had a London Fog latte. The Earl Grey tea, with its bold bergamot citrus notes, softened by the creaminess of steamed milk and just a touch of vanilla—it honestly changed everything for me. I remember thinking, “Why have I never had this before?” It instantly became one of my favorite comforts, especially on rainy afternoons.
It didn’t take long before I started wondering how I could capture that same feeling in a baked good. Cookies felt like the natural answer—because who doesn’t love a cookie that feels both cozy and elegant at the same time? After plenty of experimenting, I came up with these London Fog Cookies, infused with Earl Grey and lavender, and finished with the most luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re delicate, floral, a little whimsical, and yet still so comforting—exactly like that first sip of a London Fog latte.
And let me tell you, the result is amazing. These cookies are soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of floral sweetness. The Earl Grey tea gives them a subtle depth, the lavender adds a gentle perfume without being overwhelming, and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together with richness and tang. I even sprinkle a little dried lavender on top, because if you’re going to lean into the tea-inspired aesthetic, why not go all in?
They also feel especially perfect right now with all the gloomy, drizzly days we’ve been having here in Connecticut. Sometimes it really does feel like London has taken over the weather, and nothing pairs better with that than a warm kitchen and a tray of fresh-baked cookies. These are like your favorite cup of tea, only dressed up as a soft, frosted treat.
These cookies are one of my favorite ways to bring a little beauty and coziness into the everyday. They’re simple enough to whip up on a rainy afternoon but elegant enough to share at a gathering or even gift to a tea-loving friend. For me, they’ll always be a reminder of that first London Fog latte—an ordinary day turned extraordinary by an unexpected flavor.
Earl Grey Cookies
- 3 tbsp finely ground Earl Grey tea
- 344 g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 200 g sugar
- 227 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Lavender Sugar
- 100 g sugar
- ½ tbsp culinary lavender, pulsed and sifted
- Reserve half for the frosting!
How to Bake Them
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Earl Grey tea.
- In a separate bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla bean paste.
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop and roll the dough in the lavender sugar, then gently flatten.
- Bake for 9–10 minutes, then let cool. For a uniform look, you can use a cookie cutter to shape them once baked.
Lavender Frosting
- 113 g cream cheese, softened
- 56 g unsalted butter, softened
- 130 g powdered sugar
- Reserved ground lavender
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar, reserved lavender, and vanilla. Spread generously on cooled cookies, sprinkle with a touch of lavender if desired, and enjoy.