London Fog Cookies: 7 Heavenly Ways to Bake Them

Are you tired of baking the same old cookies that lack that special something? Does your afternoon tea routine feel incomplete without the perfect sweet companion? As a pastry chef who’s spent years perfecting tea-infused desserts, I’ve discovered that London Fog Cookies are the answer to your cookie conundrum. These delicate, Earl Grey-infused treats melt in your mouth and transport you to a cozy London café, regardless of the weather outside.

In this guide, I’ll share seven incredible London Fog Cookie recipes that will elevate your baking game. You’ll discover how to select the perfect ingredients, master the techniques for perfect texture, and learn professional tips for creating these heavenly treats. From classic versions to innovative twists, these recipes will satisfy both novice bakers and seasoned professionals alike.

Why These London Fog Cookies Work So Perfectly

London Fog Cookies aren’t just another dessert—they’re a revelation in tea-infused baking. Here’s why these recipes are guaranteed to impress:

• Uses everyday pantry ingredients with just one specialty item (Earl Grey tea)
• Prep time under 20 minutes with most of the work done by your mixer
• Versatile enough for casual snacking or elegant tea parties
• Perfect balance of delicate tea flavor and satisfying sweetness
• Stays fresh for days (though they rarely last that long!)

Choosing the Right Ingredients for London Fog Cookies

Best Tea for Authentic Flavor

Earl Grey tea forms the foundation of London Fog Cookies. Look for high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey with visible bergamot oil for the most pronounced flavor. Tea bags work too, but the flavor profile won’t be as complex. For best results, grind the tea leaves to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Flour Selection Tips

All-purpose flour works well, but for extra tenderness, consider substituting 1/4 of the flour with cake flour. This creates a more delicate crumb that perfectly complements the sophisticated tea flavor.

Sweetener Options

Traditional granulated sugar provides the perfect canvas for the Earl Grey flavor to shine. However, a touch of honey (about 1 tablespoon per batch) adds complexity that enhances the bergamot notes in the tea.

Ingredients & Prep for London Fog Cookies

Essential Base Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves, finely ground
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lavender extract (optional)

Flavor Infusion Methods

• Tea Steeping Method: Heat butter until melted, add tea leaves, steep for 5 minutes, strain, then chill until solid
• Direct Incorporation: Grind tea leaves to a fine powder and mix directly into dry ingredients
• Milk Infusion: Heat milk with tea leaves, steep, strain, then incorporate into wet ingredients

Want more delightful cookie recipes? Check out my Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry treats that pair perfectly with these London Fog Cookies!

Step-by-Step London Fog Cookie Baking Instructions

Pre-Baking London Fog Cookie Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats
3. Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl
4. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
5. Add vanilla extract and ground tea leaves to the butter mixture

London Fog Cookie Mixing Method

1. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed
2. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together (overmixing results in tough cookies)
3. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls or use a cookie scoop for uniformity
5. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets

London Fog Cookie Baking Process

1. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are just barely golden
2. For softer cookies, remove when centers still look slightly underdone
3. For crisper cookies, bake until edges are more visibly golden (about 14 minutes)

London Fog Cookie Cooling Technique

1. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes
2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
3. The flavor develops and intensifies as the cookies cool

Pro Tips for Perfect London Fog Cookies

Avoiding Common London Fog Cookie Mistakes

• Don’t overgrind the tea leaves—a fine powder is perfect, but dust is too bitter
• Room temperature ingredients blend more uniformly than cold ones
• Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to work with
• Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent over-browning

London Fog Cookie Texture Enhancement

• Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the flour for a more tender cookie
• For chewier cookies, substitute 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with brown sugar
• A touch of honey (1 tablespoon) keeps cookies softer longer

London Fog Cookie Storage Solutions

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
• Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze the dough for up to 2 months

I’ve collected dozens more delicious cookie variations on my Pinterest board where you’ll find endless inspiration for your next baking adventure!

London Fog Cookie Flavor Variations

Citrus-Enhanced London Fog Cookies

• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to brighten the bergamot notes
• Dip half the cookie in white chocolate infused with additional citrus zest
• Sprinkle with candied citrus peel before baking

Dairy-Free London Fog Cookies

• Replace butter with equal amounts of coconut oil or plant-based butter
• Use coconut cream instead of regular milk or cream in glazes
• Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to enhance the flavor profile

Herbal London Fog Cookie Variations

• Add 1/2 teaspoon dried culinary lavender to complement the Earl Grey
• Incorporate 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary for a sophisticated herbaceous note
• Try a chai tea variation by replacing Earl Grey with chai tea leaves

Looking for more sweet treats? My Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos are a perfect complement to these sophisticated cookies!

Serving Suggestions for London Fog Cookies

• Pair with a traditional cup of Earl Grey tea for the ultimate London Fog experience
• Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream for an elegant dessert
• Create cookie sandwiches filled with lavender buttercream
• Crush into crumbs as a parfait layer with whipped cream and berries
• Offer on a dessert platter with fresh berries and dark chocolate pieces
• Serve with hot chocolate for a comforting cold-weather treat

For summer gatherings, my Berry Ice Cream Cheesecake Bars make a perfect companion to these London Fog Cookies!

London Fog Cookie FAQs

Can I use decaffeinated Earl Grey tea?
Absolutely! Decaffeinated Earl Grey works perfectly and allows you to enjoy these cookies any time of day without caffeine concerns.

How do I store London Fog Cookie dough?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Let frozen dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I use a different type of tea?
Yes! While Earl Grey creates the traditional London Fog flavor, experiment with chai, Lady Grey, or even green tea for unique variations.

My cookies spread too much during baking. What happened?
This typically happens when the butter is too warm or there’s not enough flour. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and make sure your measurements are precise.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it to help with texture.

Conclusion

London Fog Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a sophisticated baking experience that brings the cozy comfort of a London café right to your kitchen. With seven incredible variations to choose from, you’ll never tire of these delicate, tea-infused delights.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant tea party or simply treating yourself to something special with your afternoon cup, these cookies deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The perfect balance of Earl Grey, subtle sweetness, and delicate texture makes them irresistible to everyone who tries them.

Start your London Fog Cookie journey today and discover why so many bakers consider these their secret weapon for impressing guests! And don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how your cookies turn out!