London Fog Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic flavored beverage. This cookie is inspired by the popular London Fog tea latte, which combines fragrant Earl Grey tea and aromatic lavender. When you bite into these amazing cookies, you’ll experience a wonderful mix of flavors from the tea, lush vanilla, and a subtle floral note. It’s a twist on traditional cookies that makes for a sweet treat at any time of day.
If you are someone who enjoys both baking and brewing, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with the concept of London Fog Cookies. They are a wonderful way to merge two delightful experiences in one unique dessert. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea melting into sweet cookie dough, finished with a sprinkle of lavender for that extra layer of aroma and taste. You may even find yourself daydreaming about these cookies while sipping your evening tea.
In this guide, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, the preparation and cooking time, detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and, finally, how to serve these incredible treats. Baking London Fog Cookies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but they will also impress anyone you share them with. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of these flavorful cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
London Fog Cookies offer an exquisite blend of flavors and aromas, elevating the cookie experience. Here are several reasons why you’ll become a fan of this recipe:
1. Unique Flavor Profile: Combining Earl Grey tea and lavender makes these cookies stand out from traditional options. The tea adds a subtle depth that is refreshing and indulgent.
2. Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies even if you are an inexperienced baker.
3. Impressive Presentation: The combination of lavender and vanilla gives these cookies an elegant appearance, making them perfect for impressing guests at gathering or special occasions.
4. Perfect with Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with your favorite brewed drinks, making them a delightful afternoon snack or dessert option.
5. Versatile Treat: They can easily be adjusted to cater to dietary restrictions, such as substituting for gluten-free flour or using dairy-free alternatives.
6. Aromatic Experience: Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a captivating fragrance of tea and vanilla, creating an inviting atmosphere for family and friends.
With these compelling reasons, it’s easy to see why London Fog Cookies are a must-try. They offer not just a sweet taste but a wonderful multiplier of joy and delight.
Preparation and Cooking Time
The preparation and baking of London Fog Cookies can be accomplished in less than an hour. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the time you’ll need:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
– Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes
All in all, you can have a batch of these wonderful cookies ready in less than an hour. This relatively quick preparation makes them an ideal candidate for those spontaneous baking cravings!
Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea leaves, finely crushed
– 1 teaspoon culinary lavender, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for dough consistency)
– Extra sugar and lavender for sprinkling on top (optional)
These simple yet flavorful ingredients are the foundation for creating perfect London Fog Cookies that will leave a lasting impression.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making London Fog Cookies is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and crushed Earl Grey tea leaves. Whisk together until well blended.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and finely chopped lavender.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Scoop Cookie Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Sprinkle Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar and lavender on top of each dough ball for added sweetness and decoration.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delightful cookies with your favorite tea or coffee!
How to Serve
To enhance your experience with London Fog Cookies, consider these serving suggestions:
1. Accompaniments: Pair your cookies with a freshly brewed cup of Earl Grey tea or a creamy latte. The flavors will complement each other beautifully.
2. Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or cake stand to create a visually appealing display. Consider garnishing the platter with extra lavender sprigs for an attractive touch.
3. Storage: Offer leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can usually last for about a week.
4. Special Occasion Tips: For gatherings, consider packaging them in decorative boxes or bags as unique homemade gifts for friends and family.
With these serving ideas in mind, you can create a memorable experience that highlights the best of London Fog Cookies. Enjoy the delightful flavors they bring to your table!
Additional Tips
– Use Fresh Ingredients: To enhance flavor, always opt for fresh Earl Grey tea and quality culinary lavender. The freshness will significantly affect the aroma and taste.
– Experiment with Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a unique twist on flavor.
– Let the Dough Chill: If you have time, letting the cookie dough chill for 30 minutes before baking can improve the texture, making the cookies thicker and chewier.
– Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Remove them when they are lightly golden around the edges.
Recipe Variation
Feel free to explore different versions of London Fog Cookies. Here are a few ideas:
1. Vegan Version: Swap the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacement, and use vegan butter.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Chocolate addition: Incorporate some white chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a delightful contrast with the tea and lavender flavors.
Freezing and Storage
– Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
– Freezing: To freeze, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to three months.
Remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Special Equipment
You don’t need much fancy equipment to make these cookies, but having the following will make the process easier:
– Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
– Whisk for mixing dry ingredients
– Electric mixer or hand mixer for creaming butter and sugars
– Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
– Cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning dough
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I use loose tea instead of tea bags?
Yes, you can use loose Earl Grey tea. Just make sure to finely crush the leaves to blend well into the cookie dough.
What if I can’t find culinary lavender?
If culinary lavender is not available, you can omit it or substitute it with another fragrant herb like dried chamomile.
Is it okay to use decaffeinated Earl Grey tea?
Absolutely! Decaffeinated Earl Grey tea will provide the same delightful flavors without the extra caffeine.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, feel free to incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
London Fog Cookies are not just a sweet treat; they represent an elegant fusion of flavors that enhance the cookie experience. Their unique characteristics make them perfect for any occasion—from afternoon tea to a special gathering. By following this comprehensive guide, you not only create a delicious batch of cookies, but you also discover the joy of baking with flavors inspired by the delightful London Fog tea latte. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy bringing this whimsical recipe to life!
London Fog Cookies: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe You Must Try
- Total Time: 57 minute
Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea leaves, finely crushed
– 1 teaspoon culinary lavender, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for dough consistency)
– Extra sugar and lavender for sprinkling on top (optional)
These simple yet flavorful ingredients are the foundation for creating perfect London Fog Cookies that will leave a lasting impression.
Instructions
Making London Fog Cookies is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and crushed Earl Grey tea leaves. Whisk together until well blended.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and finely chopped lavender.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Scoop Cookie Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Sprinkle Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar and lavender on top of each dough ball for added sweetness and decoration.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delightful cookies with your favorite tea or coffee!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g