London Fog Cookies

Introduction

London Fog Cookies are soft, fragrant cookies inspired by the popular London Fog drink. The London Fog beverage is made with Earl Grey tea, milk, and vanilla. These cookies capture the same comforting flavors in a sweet and delicious baked treat.

The star ingredient in this recipe is Earl Grey tea. This tea has a unique flavor because it contains bergamot, a citrus fruit that gives the tea a light floral aroma. When added to cookie dough, Earl Grey creates a delicate and slightly citrusy taste that pairs beautifully with vanilla.

London Fog Cookies are perfect for people who enjoy gentle flavors rather than very sweet desserts. The cookies are soft, lightly flavored, and very comforting. They are wonderful to serve during afternoon tea, as a dessert, or as a homemade gift.

Another great reason to try this recipe is its simplicity. The dough is easy to prepare, and the cookies bake quickly. Even beginner bakers can follow the steps and create a unique dessert that tastes elegant and special.

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Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: About 55–60 minutes

Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make London Fog Cookies:

For the Cookies

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves (from 1–2 tea bags)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tip: Crushing the tea leaves slightly helps release more flavor into the cookies.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the tea leaves

Open the Earl Grey tea bags and pour the tea leaves into a small bowl.

If the leaves are large, crush them gently with your fingers or a spoon.

This helps spread the flavor evenly in the dough.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and the Earl Grey tea leaves.

Stir gently to mix the ingredients.

3. Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar.

Use a mixer or spoon to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This usually takes about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add egg and vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.

Mix until everything becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Mix gently until a soft cookie dough forms.

6. Add milk

Add the milk and stir until the dough becomes smooth.

Tip: Do not overmix the dough because this can make the cookies dense.

7. Chill the dough

Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Chilling helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

8. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

9. Shape the cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into small balls.

Place the dough balls on the baking tray, leaving space between them.

10. Bake the cookies

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

The centers should still be soft.

11. Cool the cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a rack.

They will firm up slightly as they cool.

12. Add glaze (optional)

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.

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Tips & Variations

London Fog Cookies can be easily customized.

Add citrus flavor
A little lemon or orange zest pairs nicely with Earl Grey.

Make them vegan
Use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flax egg.

Make them gluten-free
Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Add white chocolate
White chocolate chips complement the floral flavor of Earl Grey.

Make sandwich cookies
Spread vanilla cream between two cookies for a special treat.

Small tip: If the dough becomes sticky while shaping cookies, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per cookie (based on 18 cookies):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 9 g

Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.

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Health Benefits

London Fog Cookies contain ingredients that provide some nutritional benefits.

Antioxidants from tea
Earl Grey tea contains antioxidants that may help support overall health.

Energy from carbohydrates
Flour and sugar provide quick energy for daily activities.

Small amounts of protein
Eggs add a little protein to the cookies.

Moderate sweetness
The cookies are lightly sweet, making them a gentler dessert option.

Although cookies are a treat, enjoying them in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

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Serving Suggestions

London Fog Cookies are perfect for relaxing moments.

They pair well with:

• Earl Grey tea
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Warm milk

These cookies are especially nice during afternoon tea or cozy evenings at home.

They also make great gifts. Place them in a decorative tin or jar for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Storing the cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container.

• Room temperature: up to 5 days

Freezing option

The baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Conclusion

London Fog Cookies are a unique and comforting dessert inspired by the classic tea drink. The delicate flavor of Earl Grey tea combined with vanilla creates a soft cookie that is both fragrant and delicious.

This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for beginner bakers. With simple ingredients and gentle flavors, these cookies are ideal for tea time, dessert, or sharing with friends.

If you enjoy tea-flavored treats or want to try something a little different, London Fog Cookies are a wonderful choice. Bake a batch at home and enjoy a sweet treat with a warm cup of tea.