London Fog Cookies Recipe

Introduction

London Fog Cookies bring the elegant flavors of Earl Grey tea into a soft, spiced cookie with a delightful vanilla glaze. Perfect for tea time or a cozy treat, these cookies combine classic ingredients with fragrant tea for a unique twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves or 3 tea bags
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak the butter in Earl Grey tea. Melt the butter over low heat in a small saucepan, then add the tea leaves. Let it steep for about 5 minutes. Strain the butter through a fine sieve to remove the tea leaves and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the tea-infused butter with brown and white sugars until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with baking paper. Form tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are firm. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
7. Step 7: Prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the glaze over the cooled cookies before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use loose tea leaves for a more intense Earl Grey flavor, and make sure to strain well to avoid bits in the butter.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the glaze.
• Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for thicker, chewier cookies.
• Add a sprinkle of finely chopped candied citrus peel to the dough for a bright, complementary note.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The frosting may soften over time, so if you prefer a firmer glaze, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week and bring them to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without frosting) in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw before glazing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?

Yes, but Earl Grey’s distinctive bergamot flavor is what makes these cookies special. Using regular black tea will change the flavor profile significantly.

Do I have to use the glaze?

No, the glaze adds sweetness and moisture, but the cookies are delicious on their own if you prefer a less sweet treat.

London Fog Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 94 reviews

These London Fog Cookies are a delightful treat infused with the fragrant Earl Grey tea flavor. Soft, chewy, and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they perfectly combine a classic tea infusion with a sweet cookie base. Ideal for tea time or a special dessert, these cookies are easy to prepare and bring a sophisticated taste to your baking repertoire.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves or 3 tea bags
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Frosting

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Soak the Butter in Earl Grey Tea: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the loose Earl Grey tea leaves and let them steep in the warm butter for about 5 minutes to infuse the butter with tea flavor. Strain the butter through a fine sieve to remove the tea leaves and set the infused butter aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Earl Grey infused melted butter with the brown sugar and white sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies that hold their shape better, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but recommended for a sturdier texture.
6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment or baking paper to prevent sticking.
7. Shape and Bake the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
8. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
9. Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
10. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the tops. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• Using loose Earl Grey tea will give a stronger tea flavor than tea bags, but both work well.
• Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances texture but if short on time, you can skip this step.
• Make sure the butter is not too hot when mixing with sugars to avoid cooking the eggs.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
• The frosting can be thinned with a little more milk if needed or thickened with additional powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.

Keywords: London Fog Cookies, Earl Grey Cookies, Tea Infused Cookies, Vanilla Frosted Cookies, British Cookies, Tea Time Recipe