If you have a soft spot for the elegant flavors of Earl Grey tea and a little floral twist, then you’re going to adore the London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls bring together the comforting warmth of freshly baked dough infused with fragrant Earl Grey and a dreamy, silky lavender cream cheese frosting that’s the perfect balance of sweet and aromatic. This recipe transforms a simple cinnamon roll idea into a sophisticated treat that’s just as delightful for a weekend brunch as it is for a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture, and they are mostly pantry staples with special touches that take these rolls to the next level.
- Whole milk: Warmed just right to activate the yeast, milk adds tenderness and moisture to the dough.
- Active dry yeast: The magical agent that makes the dough rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Earl Grey tea: Ground finely to infuse both the dough and filling with the iconic bergamot flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a soft yet structured roll.
- Sugar (white and brown): Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization in the filling.
- Unsalted butter: For richness in the dough, filling, and frosting, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Eggs: Provide structure and a tender crumb to the rolls.
- Vanilla bean paste: Compliments the Earl Grey notes and adds depth to both dough and frosting.
- Culinary lavender: Ground finely to gently flavor the cream cheese frosting with a fragrant floral note.
- Cream cheese: Cold and creamy, it makes the frosting ultra luscious and tangy.
- Heavy cream: Poured between the rolls to keep them moist and tender while baking.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the lavender frosting to perfection.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and slight floral complexity to the filling.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Optional purple food coloring: For a subtle lavender hue that makes the frosting visually irresistible.
How to Make London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast and Prepare the Earl Grey
Start by waking up your yeast in warm milk with a little sugar. This step is crucial to get that heavenly rise in the dough. While waiting for the yeast to foam, grind the Earl Grey tea leaves finely using a spice grinder, then sift out any large bits. This ensures that the bergamot flavor infuses every bite without any gritty texture.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Combine the dry ingredients including flour, salt, sugar, and the finely ground Earl Grey tea. Then add the whisked eggs, vanilla bean paste, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix and knead the dough until it pulls away from the bowl and feels elastic. This dough is soft but manageable, promising rolls that are tender with just the right amount of chewiness.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it, and set it somewhere warm to rise until doubled in size. This step takes about one to one and a half hours and is essential for creating those light, fluffy rolls that practically melt on your tongue.
Step 4: Prepare the Earl Grey Filling
While the dough rises, grind more Earl Grey tea if you haven’t done so and mix it with softened butter, brown and white sugar, vanilla, honey, and salt. This luscious filling carries the star flavor of Earl Grey and a kiss of sweetness that will spread joy in every bite of your rolls.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Roll your risen dough into a rectangle and spread the fragrant Earl Grey filling evenly over it. Roll up tightly into a log, trim the edges, and slice into 12 even rolls. Place them snugly in a greased casserole dish, pour heavy cream between each roll for extra moisture, then cover and let them proof for another hour until puffy and ready to bake.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (175 ℃) and bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden and irresistible. The aroma of Earl Grey and warm butter will fill your kitchen, making it almost impossible not to sneak a warm roll right out of the oven.
Step 7: Make the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, grind culinary lavender finely. Then beat together butter and cream cheese until fluffy, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and the lavender, mixing until smooth. A tiny splash of purple food coloring adds to the dreamy aesthetic but isn’t necessary for the decadent flavor. Slather this frosting over the warm rolls for a delicate floral finish that’s utterly unforgettable.
How to Serve London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle a few dried lavender buds or a light dusting of powdered sugar atop the frosted rolls. A small drizzle of honey over the frosting can also add a glossy finish and an extra dimension of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These rolls are beautiful on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea to echo the flavors or a creamy chai latte for a cozy twist. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad offer a bright contrast to the rich rolls and make your spread festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls stacked on a delicate cake stand or arranged on a rustic wooden board for brunch guests. You can also separate each roll into individual mini plates and garnish with edible flowers to make your London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe feel just a little more special and celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness and keeps the frosting from drying out.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the rolls in a low oven (around 300 ℉/150 ℃) for about 10 minutes or until warm throughout. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to preserve that soft, fluffy texture and keep the frosting from melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaf for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute tea bags, but be sure to grind the tea leaves finely after removing them from the bags. Loose leaf often provides more intense flavor and less dust, but either works well for the London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Is the lavender flavor very strong?
The lavender in the frosting is subtle and aromatic to complement the Earl Grey’s bergamot. It should be a gentle floral note, never overwhelming, adding complexity rather than taking over.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer without a dough hook?
While a dough hook is ideal for kneading, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured countertop until it becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?
Pure vanilla extract is a fine substitute if you don’t have vanilla bean paste, though paste adds those specks and slightly deeper flavor. Use the same amount for the best results.
How do I achieve the best rolls texture?
Ensure your yeast is active by blooming it properly, knead the dough until elastic, and don’t rush the rising and proofing times. Pouring heavy cream between the rolls before baking also contributes to a tender, moist crumb perfect for these London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Final Thoughts
The London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those rare treats that turns ordinary ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Once you bake and frost these delightful rolls, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again, whether for cozy mornings or as a charming centerpiece for gatherings. Trust me, your kitchen will thank you for making these!
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London Fog Rolls with Earl Grey Tea and Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Description
These London Fog Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea and topped with a luscious lavender cream cheese frosting. Perfect for tea time or any special occasion, they combine the subtle citrus and floral notes of Earl Grey with sweet, soft dough and a creamy, aromatic frosting.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110 ℉ (43 ℃)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
- 3 tbsp (12 g) loose leaf Earl Grey tea
- 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
Filling
- 3 tbsp (12 g) loose leaf Earl Grey tea
- 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- 2 tbsp (43 g) honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls)
Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender
- 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- Purple food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Bloom the yeast: Combine the active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy on top, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Earl Grey tea: Place 3 tbsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea into a small food processor or spice grinder. Pulse until finely ground, then pass through a sieve to remove large bits. This ensures a smooth incorporation into the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and ground Earl Grey tea. Mix briefly to combine.
- Add wet ingredients to dough: Add the whisked eggs, vanilla bean paste, and soft butter to the dry ingredients. Mix gently to combine.
- Incorporate yeast mixture and knead: Pour the bloomed yeast mixture into the bowl. Switch to a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough forms a ball, pulls away from the sides, and springs back when pressed. Add flour 1 tbsp at a time if the dough remains sticky.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased large bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Place in a warm spot (like next to the stove or inside a cold oven with the light on) for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: If not already ground, pulse the remaining 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea in a grinder and sieve out large bits. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste, honey, salt, and the finely ground Earl Grey tea until smooth.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle or oval, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread filling: Evenly spoon the prepared Earl Grey filling onto the dough surface and spread with an offset spatula.
- Form rolls: Starting from the edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a long log. Trim ends to even out the log. Cut into 12 equal rolls, approximately 1 1/2 inches wide, using unflavored floss or a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Second rise (proof): Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and arrange the rolls inside. Pour room temperature heavy cream in between each roll to keep them moist. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven: About 15 minutes before the rolls finish proofing, preheat oven to 350 ℉ (175 ℃).
- Bake rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until they turn a light golden color.
- Prepare lavender cream cheese frosting: While rolls bake, pulse culinary lavender in a small grinder until finely ground. In a medium bowl, beat softened butter and cold cream cheese on high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and ground lavender. Mix on low speed until combined. Add purple food coloring for a lavender hue if desired, then beat again until light and fluffy.
- Frost and serve: Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes after baking. Spread the lavender cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the fragrant, rich flavors.
Notes
- If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, use high-quality vanilla extract as a substitute.
- Grinding the tea finely and sieving prevents large, gritty pieces in the dough and filling.
- Room temperature heavy cream between rolls helps keep the finished rolls moist and tender.
- Proofing in a warm, draft-free environment is key to getting a good rise.
- Unflavored dental floss works well for cutting the rolls cleanly without squishing.
- Adding purple food coloring to the frosting is optional but adds a lovely visual effect reflective of lavender.
- Ensure the cream cheese is cold before mixing to avoid separation and to achieve a fluffier frosting.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-inspired
