Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sunk my teeth into a pillowy roll for the first time, the harmonious blend of Earl Grey tea and creamy lavender frosting transported me to a quaint café in London. That’s the magic of these Gooey London Fog Rolls, where every bite combines warmth and nostalgia, perfect for brunch or a sweet tea-time treat. With just the right balance of floral notes and comforting sweetness, this indulgent recipe is both a crowd-pleaser and a fun twist on traditional rolls. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time, making your mornings easier. Curious how these delightful rolls can brighten your day? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Are London Fog Rolls So Irresistible? Decadent, these rolls offer a unique twist on classic breakfast indulgence by incorporating Earl Grey tea and lavender flavors. Fluffy Texture makes each bite feel like a warm hug, melting in your mouth. Versatile and Fun, they’re perfect for brunch, tea time, or even as a sweet treat to impress guests. Time-Saving Tip: Prepare ahead for busy mornings! If you enjoy unique recipes like these, check out our delightful Pepperoni Croissant Rolls for more fun baking ideas! London Fog Rolls Ingredients For the Dough • Whole Milk – Liquid base for activating yeast and moistening dough. Warmed to about 110°F (43°C) for yeast blooming. • Active Dry Yeast – Leavening agent that causes dough to rise. Ensure it is not expired for best results. • Granulated White Sugar – Helps to bloom the yeast and enhances sweetness. 1 tsp used to activate yeast. • Loose Leaf Earl Grey Tea – Provides the signature flavor profile in both dough and filling. Can substitute with tea bags if needed. • All-Purpose Flour – Main structure-building ingredient for the dough. Measure with a digital scale for accuracy. • Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness. 1½ tsp included in dough. • Whisked Eggs – Adds richness and helps with dough structure. 2 eggs whisked before incorporation. • Vanilla Bean Paste – Adds depth of flavor. May use vanilla extract as a substitute. • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and tenderness to the dough and filling. Softened for ease of mixing in both components. For the Filling • Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and caramel flavor to the filling. Can substitute with additional granulated sugar if desired. • Honey – Adds additional sweetness and moisture. Can be replaced with maple syrup. • Culinary Lavender – Infuses the frosting with a lovely floral note. Can also use lavender extract for a more intense flavor. For Soaking and Frosting • Heavy Cream – Used for soaking rolls before baking to enhance moisture. Pour room temperature cream in between rolls before the second proofing. • Powdered Sugar – Essential for the cream cheese frosting, providing sweetness and a fluffy texture. Sift for smooth frosting. • Cold Cream Cheese – Forms the body of the frosting. Vegan cream cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative. • Purple Food Coloring – Optional for aesthetic appeal in the frosting. Can skip if desired. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Rolls Step 1: Bloom Yeast Warm the whole milk to about 110°F (43°C) and pour it into a bowl. Add the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to give your London Fog Rolls the perfect light and fluffy texture. Step 2: Prepare Dough In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of salt, remaining sugar, and finely ground loose-leaf Earl Grey tea. Stir the ingredients together, then add the whisked eggs, vanilla bean paste, and softened unsalted butter. Mix until combined, then blend in the yeast mixture. Use a dough hook on low speed to knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Step 3: First Rise Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm area, allowing the dough to rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. Keep an eye on it, as it should become puffy and airy, perfect for making your delicious London Fog Rolls. Step 4: Make Filling In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Incorporate the finely ground Earl Grey tea to create a smooth filling. This mixture should be creamy and spreadable, adding a delightful sweetness to the center of your rolls. Step 5: Assemble Rolls Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Use unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces for perfect London Fog Rolls. Step 6: Second Rise Place the cut rolls into a greased casserole dish, spacing them so they have room to rise. Pour room-temperature heavy cream in between the rolls, ensuring they’re barely soaked. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for about 1 hour in a warm area until they puff up prominently, making them ready for baking. Step 7: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, place the dish with the rolls in the center of the oven. Bake them for 22-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The rolls should feel light and fluffy, with a slightly crisp top, showcasing the lovely blend of flavors within. Step 8: Make Frosting While the rolls are baking, prepare the lavender cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, blend softened unsalted butter, cold cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. If you’d like, grind some culinary lavender and add it for a delightful floral note. Optionally, incorporate purple food coloring for an appealing touch. Step 9: Frost and Serve Once the rolls have cooled slightly out of the oven, generously spread the lavender cream cheese frosting over the top of each roll. Allow the frosting to melt into the warm rolls, enhancing their gooey texture. Serve these delightful London Fog Rolls warm, and experience the sweet aroma of Earl Grey tea melded perfectly with creamy lavender frosting. Make Ahead Options Preparing these delightful London Fog Rolls ahead of time is a fantastic way to simplify your mornings! You can assemble the rolls up to the second rise and refrigerate them overnight for a quick bake in the morning. Just ensure to let them sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking to maintain their fluffy texture. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked rolls for up to 3 months; simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before allowing them to rise and bake. This way, you can enjoy warm, gooey rolls with minimal effort on busy days, making breakfast or brunch a delightful experience for the whole family! What to Serve with Gooey London Fog Rolls Indulging in these fluffy rolls opens up a world of delightful pairings that enhance their floral sweetness and warm flavors. Earl Grey Tea: The classic companion, this aromatic tea complements the Earl Grey filling beautifully, creating a harmonious and comforting experience. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, citrus, and melons adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the rolls with bright, juicy flavors. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess, making each bite even more decadent. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful mélange of hot and cold, melting flavors that celebrate indulgence. Sparkling Lemonade: A zesty, bubbly drink will cleanse your palate and elevate the floral notes of the lavender frosting, making for a light and airy brunch or tea party option. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For an extra touch of extravagance, add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosted rolls. The sweet, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with both tea and the floral notes of lavender. Almond Biscotti: For a lovely crunch that contrasts the softness of the rolls, enjoy these nutty cookies on the side, enhancing your tea-drinking experience. With these delightful accompaniments, your Gooey London Fog Rolls will shine even brighter, making every moment a memorable one! Expert Tips for London Fog Rolls Fresh Yeast Matters: Always check your active dry yeast for freshness. Foamy yeast means it’s active and ready to create those fluffy London Fog Rolls. Dental Floss Trick: Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolled dough into even pieces without squishing them. It maintains the neat shape of your rolls. Temperature Control: Ensure your milk is at the right temperature (110°F or 43°C) when blooming the yeast. Too hot can kill it, while too cold won’t activate it. Soaking for Moisture: Pour the room-temperature heavy cream between the rolls before the second rise, giving them a moist and gooey texture after baking. Make-Ahead Convenience: Consider preparing your London Fog Rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerating overnight. This saves time in the morning; just allow extra proofing time before baking. How to Store and Freeze London Fog Rolls Fridge: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their fluffy texture and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen London Fog Rolls, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours before gently reheating. Reheating: Warm the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh their gooey goodness. London Fog Rolls Variations Feel free to get creative with your London Fog Rolls, transforming them into a delight that suits your taste! Chai Spice: Replace Earl Grey tea with chai tea for a spicier, warmer flavor. Embrace the aromatic blend that chai brings, making these rolls a cozy treat. Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the frosting for a refreshing citrus twist. The bright notes of citrus enhance the floral flavor beautifully! Nutty Surprise: Fold chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for an added crunch. The texture contrasts delightfully with the soft rolls. Chocolate Drizzle: Top with a chocolate ganache instead of lavender frosting for a rich, decadent experience. Imagine the luscious combination of chocolate and tea flavors. Lavender Vanilla: Boost the lavender flavor by using lavender extract in the frosting. It gives a more intense floral aroma—definitely something to impress your guests. Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute regular milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives to create a dairy-free variation. Your friends with dietary restrictions will thank you! Extra Sweet: Drizzle honey over the warm rolls just before serving for an extra layer of sweetness. It’s a simple touch that elevates these rolls to new heights. Savory Version: For a unique twist, try adding herbs like rosemary to the dough for a savory version. Pair it with a light, herby cream cheese frosting for a delightful contrast. If you love creative twists on classic recipes, be sure to check out our delicious Pepperoni Croissant Rolls for more inspiration! London Fog Rolls Recipe FAQs What type of Earl Grey tea should I use for the filling? Absolutely! Loose leaf Earl Grey tea is ideal for achieving the best flavor in your London Fog Rolls. If you don’t have loose leaf on hand, you can easily substitute it with Earl Grey tea bags. Just be sure to finely grind the tea to fully release its flavors in the dough and filling. How should I store leftover London Fog Rolls? Very simply! Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, it’s best to freeze them. Just remember to reheat them gently in the oven for that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Can I freeze the London Fog Rolls? Absolutely! To freeze, after baking and cooling, wrap each roll separately in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge or leave them out at room temperature for a few hours, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If your dough doesn’t rise, check that your yeast is fresh; it should bloom and become foamy within 10 minutes of being mixed with warm milk and sugar. If it doesn’t, you may need to start over with new yeast. Environmental factors play a role too, so make sure the dough is in a warm space, around 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) is ideal. Can I use vegan alternatives for the ingredients? Yes, indeed! To make your London Fog Rolls dairy-free, use plant-based alternatives for cream cheese, butter, and milk. Vegan cream cheese works wonderfully in the frosting, and almond or oat milk can replace the whole milk in the recipe. Just ensure the yeast and other ingredients are vegan-friendly, and you’re set! How long will the rolled dough last in the fridge before baking? You can prepare your London Fog Rolls up to the second rise and refrigerate them overnight. Just be sure to let the rolls come to room temperature and allow for extra rising time before baking them the next morning to ensure they puff up beautifully! Decadent London Fog Rolls with Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting Indulge in these Gooey London Fog Rolls featuring Earl Grey tea and lavender cream cheese frosting, perfect for brunch or a sweet treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsFirst Rise 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 12 rollsCourse: BreakfastCuisine: BritishCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Whole Milk Warmed to about 110°F (43°C) for yeast blooming.2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it is not expired for best results.1/4 cup Granulated White Sugar 1 tsp used to activate yeast.2 tablespoons Loose Leaf Earl Grey Tea Can substitute with tea bags if needed.3 cups All-Purpose Flour Measure with a digital scale for accuracy.1.5 teaspoons Salt Included in the dough for flavor.2 large Whisked Eggs Whisk before incorporation.1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste May use vanilla extract as a substitute.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Softened for ease of mixing.For the Filling1/2 cup Brown Sugar Can substitute with additional granulated sugar if desired.1/4 cup Honey Can be replaced with maple syrup.2 tablespoons Culinary Lavender Can also use lavender extract for more intense flavor.For Soaking and Frosting1/2 cup Heavy Cream Pour room temperature cream in between rolls.2 cups Powdered Sugar Sift for smooth frosting.8 ounces Cold Cream Cheese Vegan cream cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative.1 drop Purple Food Coloring Optional for aesthetic appeal. Equipment mixing bowlDough hookcasserole dishDigital scaleUnflavored Dental FlossOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsWarm the whole milk to about 110°F and pour it into a bowl. Add the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar, stirring gently. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, remaining sugar, and finely ground Earl Grey tea. Add whisked eggs, vanilla bean paste, and softened butter. Mix until combined, then add yeast mixture.Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Add finely ground Earl Grey tea to create a smooth filling.After rising, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly, roll tightly, and cut into 12 pieces.Place rolls in a greased casserole dish, pour heavy cream in between, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until puffed.Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.While baking, prepare frosting by blending softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Optionally add lavender and food coloring.Once rolls cool slightly, spread frosting over each roll and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg NotesFor best results, follow tips for yeast and temperature management. Consider preparing rolls up to the second rise for make-ahead convenience. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
