Name: Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2–3 tsp milk (if needed); powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that combines the mystique of classic British baking with the charm of teatime, Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are your new go-to recipe. These tender, buttery gems are infused with the citrusy fragrance of Earl Grey, dusted in a gentle snowfall of powdered sugar, and feel mysteriously perfect alongside a steaming cup of tea on a misty afternoon. Sophisticated yet comfortingly simple, these tea cakes are like a cozy hug from the heart of London—delicious enough to impress any detective or simply to add magic to your own day.

Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes couldn’t be simpler, but every single ingredient plays a starring role in delivering their iconic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s why each component matters—and a little tip for making the most of it.

All-purpose flour: Forms the structure and keeps the texture light and delicate—be sure to measure accurately for the best crumb.
Unsalted butter (softened): Infuses that signature richness; let it come fully to room temperature to ensure creamy blending.
Powdered sugar: Lends a gentle sweetness and helps the crumb dissolve beautifully on your tongue—don’t substitute with granulated here!
Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground): The soul of the recipe; grind the leaves into a powder for even distribution and fullest flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic depth that plays perfectly with the floral notes of the tea.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and sharpens the Earl Grey’s distinctive notes.
Cornstarch: Ensures a melt-in-your-mouth, shortbread-like crumb—don’t skip it!
Milk (if needed): Softens the dough if it feels too crumbly; add only as much as necessary for a soft, cohesive mix.
Powdered sugar for dusting: A final veil for that classically foggy, mysterious London look.

How to Make Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps those delicate tea cakes from sticking and ensures a perfectly even bake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip them until the mixture grows light, fluffy, and pale in color—a step that helps yield that irresistible delicate texture in every bite.

Step 3: Add Earl Grey and Vanilla

Now the magic happens! Work in the vanilla extract and your finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves. Mix until you see the tea is evenly speckled through the dough; you’ll immediately notice that signature London Fog aroma rising up.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture gradually, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems a bit crumbly, drizzle in milk a teaspoon at a time—just enough for everything to barely come together.

Step 5: Shape and Flatten

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press each ball down with your fingers or the flat bottom of a glass to create thick discs—think foggy London pavers, just sweeter!

Step 6: Bake

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to take on the barest golden hue, while the centers remain pale and soft. Overbaking will cost you that signature melt-in-your-mouth crumb, so keep watch!

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes cool right on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—this helps them firm up—then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar for that mysterious, misty look.

How to Serve Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes

Garnishes

A cloud of powdered sugar is classic, but you can add a extra touch by sprinkling a few more finely ground Earl Grey leaves on top, or even a delicate curl of lemon zest to tease out those citrusy bergamot notes. Serve on a vintage plate for true Victorian flair!

Side Dishes

For a quintessential British tea spread, pair Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes with fresh strawberries or juicy blackberries. Of course, they shine brightest when served with a hot cup of strong black tea or, if you’re feeling thematic, a frothy London Fog latte.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your tea cakes into detective-worthy party fare by stacking them in a whimsical tower or arranging them on a slate board with little “clues” written on parchment tags. For a Sherlock-inspired touch, serve alongside tiny magnifying glasses or old-fashioned keys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and strong smells so their delicate flavor stays perfect for teatime.

Freezing

These tea cakes freeze beautifully! Arrange baked, cooled tea cakes in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

Although best enjoyed at room temp, you can refresh day-old or thawed Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes by placing them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4-5 minutes. Let cool slightly and finish with another dusting of powdered sugar.

FAQs

Can I use a different tea instead of Earl Grey?

Absolutely! While Earl Grey provides the quintessential “London Fog” flavor, feel free to substitute with your favorite black tea, or even try lavender or rose for a playful twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes.

What’s the secret to that perfectly crumbly texture?

The combination of cornstarch and powdered sugar is crucial—both work to keep the cookies extra tender and prevent toughness. Be careful not to overwork the dough for best results.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes—you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. Bring it to room temperature for easier rolling. Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes actually taste even better when the flavors have a chance to meld!

Why do my tea cakes spread too much or stay too round?

If they’re spreading, your butter may be too soft or the dough too warm; chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping. If too round, flatten gently with a glass to help them bake evenly and achieve the classic tea cake look.

How can I intensify the tea flavor?

For a bolder taste, add an extra half tablespoon of finely ground Earl Grey. Or, let the tea steep in melted butter overnight before baking—this trick brings the spirit of Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes even closer to a true London Fog experience!

Final Thoughts

If you’re a British baking lover or just want to add a little cozy detective charm to your next tea break, Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are a must-try. Each bite is buttery, aromatic, and whimsical—so go on, don your deerstalker hat and bake up a batch to share with your own Watson!

Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 20 tea cakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Transport yourself to the foggy streets of London with these delightful Earl Grey tea cakes, a treat fit for Sherlock Holmes himself. These buttery shortbread-style cookies are subtly flavored with the aromatic notes of Earl Grey tea, perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or a London Fog latte.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp cornstarch
2–3 tsp milk (if needed)

Additional:

powdered sugar for dusting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Flavors: Mix in the vanilla extract and finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch.
Mix Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Add milk if needed to bring the dough together.
Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow the tea cakes to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled.