London Fog Rolls Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of combining the comforting warmth of Earl Grey tea with the irresistible softness of freshly baked bread, this London Fog Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These rolls capture all the delicate floral and citrus notes of a classic London Fog tea latte, but in a lovely cinnamon roll–style pastry that’s both elegant and cozy. Imagine tender, fluffy dough infused with fragrant Earl Grey, wrapped around a sweet, buttery filling, then topped with a dreamy lavender cream cheese frosting—it’s a bite of tea-time bliss you won’t want to miss out on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This London Fog Rolls Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create a delicately flavored, aromatic treat. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich, warm milk that nurtures the yeast and creates soft dough, to the fragrant loose leaf Earl Grey tea that infuses both dough and filling with that signature bergamot goodness.

• Whole milk (warmed to 110 ℉/43 ℃): The perfect temperature wakes up the yeast for a fluffy rise.
• Active dry yeast: The magic behind the dough’s airy texture.
• Granulated white sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Loose leaf Earl Grey tea: Finely ground to fully infuse each bite with bergamot flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds these tender rolls together.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
• Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Vanilla bean paste: Gives a subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Both in dough and filling, providing moistness and richness.
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Sweet and caramel notes in the filling.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness with floral undertones.
• Heavy cream: Poured between rolls for extra moisture and softness.
• Culinary lavender: Ground finely for a floral hint in the frosting.
• Cream cheese: Base for the luscious frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a smooth texture.
• Purple food coloring (optional): For a beautiful lavender hue that makes the frosting pop.

How to Make London Fog Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Blooming the Yeast and Preparing the Tea

The first step to success starts with waking up your yeast. Combine the active dry yeast with warmed milk and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it rest until it forms a bubbly foam on top—it’s that sign your yeast is alive and ready to work. Meanwhile, grind your loose leaf Earl Grey tea until it’s finely powdered, ensuring every bit of that fragrant bergamot is released into your dough and filling.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

Using a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and finely ground Earl Grey tea. Add in the eggs, vanilla bean paste, and softened butter, then pour in your bubbly yeast mixture. Switch to the dough hook and knead away for 7 to 10 minutes, watching the dough come together in a smooth ball that springs back to your touch. This kneading builds those gluten strands, resulting in rolls that are soft yet perfectly structured.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it up, and tuck it somewhere warm for about an hour to an hour and a half. During this time, the dough doubles in size, becoming airy and light—the most exciting part that means you’re on your way to some seriously fluffy rolls.

Step 4: Making the Earl Grey Filling

While the dough is rising, craft the star-studded filling. Combine softened butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, salt, vanilla bean paste, and the rest of the ground Earl Grey tea. This luscious mixture will infuse the rolls with their signature tea-sweetness and a touch of caramel warmth.

Step 5: Shaping and Assembling the Rolls

After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out into a roughly 18 by 12-inch rectangle about one-quarter inch thick. Spread your fragrant Earl Grey filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log, trimming any uneven edges for neatness. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or floss for precise cuts. Place them into a greased casserole dish, then pour heavy cream between each roll to add extra moisture during baking.

Step 6: Second Rise and Baking

Cover the rolls again and let them proof for about an hour until they’re doubled and puffed up, like little clouds ready for the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (175 ℃), then bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until they turn a beautiful, light golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting to dive in.

Step 7: Making the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

While your rolls are baking, it’s time to whip up a frosting worthy of their delicate flavor. Pulse culinary lavender until finely ground, then beat softened butter and cold cream cheese until light and fluffy. Fold in powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and the lavender powder. For a pop of pretty, add a hint of purple food coloring—it’s a stunning finish that tastes as heavenly as it looks.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Once the rolls have cooled just enough—about five minutes—slather the lavender cream cheese frosting generously on top. The warmth of the rolls softens the frosting slightly, making every bite irresistibly creamy and fragrant.

How to Serve London Fog Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few dried lavender buds or finely chopped candied lemon peel on top of the frosting. These simple garnishes add a hint of texture and elevate the already stunning floral-citrus flavor of your London Fog Rolls Recipe.

Side Dishes

These rolls are standouts on their own, but pairing them with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea or a light, citrusy salad with candied nuts and fresh fruit can complete the experience. The freshness of fruit balances the richness, making brunch or teatime an unforgettable event.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange the rolls on a tiered cake stand for a charming tea party vibe. Or serve individual rolls in little linen-lined baskets, wrapped with a sprig of lavender or a ribbon tied in a bow—presentation is half the delight when sharing this elegant London Fog Rolls Recipe with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft, fresh texture. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack without compromising flavor or moisture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating

To revive your London Fog Rolls Recipe leftovers, warm them in a 300 ℉ (150 ℃) oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, then add a little extra frosting or butter to bring back that creamy softness.

FAQs

Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaf?

Absolutely! Just empty the tea leaves from about 6 tea bags and grind them finely before mixing. Loose leaf tends to have a richer flavor, but tea bags work well in a pinch.

How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?

Doubling means the dough looks visibly larger—about twice its original volume—and feels airy when you gently press a fingertip to it. If the indent springs back slowly, it’s ready for the next step.

Can I substitute the culinary lavender in the frosting?

If you don’t have lavender on hand, you can omit it or try a hint of ground vanilla bean or lemon zest for a different aromatic twist that complements the Earl Grey.

Is the purple food coloring necessary for the frosting?

Not at all! The purple tint is purely decorative and optional. The frosting tastes wonderful without it and looks lovely in its natural cream color.

How long will the London Fog Rolls last once frosted?

Once frosted, they are best enjoyed within 24 hours. The frosting tenderizes the rolls and may steam slightly, which can affect texture if stored too long, but refrigeration can extend freshness for up to two days.

Final Thoughts

Making this London Fog Rolls Recipe is like inviting a little slice of British teatime into your home. The blend of Earl Grey’s floral aroma, sweet honeyed filling, and lavender cream cheese frosting creates a bakery-worthy treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and experience the cozy magic they bring—it’s truly a recipe that warms the heart and sparks happiness bite after bite.

London Fog Rolls Recipe

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London Fog Rolls are a fragrant, elegant twist on classic cinnamon rolls, infused with Earl Grey tea and topped with a delicate lavender cream cheese frosting. This recipe features a soft, buttery dough infused with aromatic tea, a sweet and spiced filling, and a luscious floral frosting that brings a unique and sophisticated flavor to a beloved pastry.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British-inspired

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

Additional

• 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

1. Bloom the Yeast: Combine active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and warm milk in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Grind the Earl Grey Tea: Using a small food processor or spice grinder, pulse 3 tbsp of loose leaf Earl Grey tea until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to remove any large bits.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl with a stand mixer using a whisk attachment, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and the ground Earl Grey tea.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the whisked eggs, vanilla bean paste, and softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix together until combined.
5. Add Yeast Mixture and Knead Dough: Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until blended. Switch to a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl edges, forms a smooth ball, and springs back when pressed. If sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until dough reaches the desired consistency.
6. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and set in a warm place (such as outside or in a cold oven with the light on) for 1 to 1 ½ hours until it doubles in size.
7. Prepare Filling: If needed, grind another 3 tbsp of Earl Grey tea finely and sift. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste, honey, salt, and ground Earl Grey tea until smooth.
8. Assemble the Rolls: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the Earl Grey filling evenly over the dough.
9. Roll and Cut: Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the edge closest to you. Trim ends to make even, then slice into 12 rolls approximately 1 ½ inches wide using floss or a serrated knife.
10. Second Rise: Place rolls in the greased casserole dish, pour heavy cream between each roll, cover with plastic wrap, and proof in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
11. Preheat Oven: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 350 ℉ (175 ℃).
12. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes or until they turn a light golden color.
13. Make Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting: While baking, finely grind culinary lavender in a food processor. In a medium bowl, beat softened butter and cold cream cheese on high until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and ground lavender; mix on low until combined. Optionally add purple food coloring. Beat until frosting is light and fluffy.
14. Frost and Serve: Let rolls cool for 5 minutes after baking. Spread the warm rolls generously with lavender cream cheese frosting and serve.

Notes

• To ensure tender rolls, avoid adding too much flour during kneading; the dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Grinding the Earl Grey tea finely enhances flavor and texture without large tea leaves in the dough or filling.
• The heavy cream poured between rolls during the second rise keeps them moist and creates a rich texture.
• If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract can be substituted.
• Adjust the amount of culinary lavender in the frosting based on preference; too much can be overpowering.
• Using unflavored floss for cutting the rolls helps achieve clean, even slices without squishing the dough.