London Fog Rolls

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I made these London Fog Rolls on a cozy morning when I wanted something that felt a little more special than an everyday cinnamon roll. They have that soft, pillowy texture I love, but the flavor leans warm and fragrant with Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and just enough sweetness to make each bite feel bakery-worthy.

What really makes them stand out for me is the glaze. It settles over the swirls like a soft lavender cloud and gives the rolls that dreamy London Fog coffeehouse feel without making them too heavy. These are the kind of sweet breakfast rolls I like serving when I want brunch to feel charming, relaxed, and a little bit elegant.

What Gives London Fog Rolls Their Signature Flavor?

The heart of London Fog Rolls is the same flavor combination that makes the drink so comforting: Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and milk. Earl Grey brings a delicate citrusy floral note from bergamot, while vanilla smooths everything out and gives the rolls a soft, cozy bakery aroma. When I bake them together in a tender enriched dough, the result feels familiar like a cinnamon roll, but with a more delicate and fragrant twist.

Ingredients for the London Fog Rolls

These ingredients work together to create rolls that are soft, rich, and deeply aromatic. I like to keep the ingredient list simple, but every item has a job.

All-purpose flour
This gives the dough structure while still keeping the rolls soft and tender.

Active dry yeast
Yeast helps the dough rise into fluffy, bakery-style swirls.

Warm milk
Milk adds richness and creates a softer crumb than water alone. It also ties into that classic London Fog flavor.

Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough and also helps feed the yeast for a better rise.

Unsalted butter
Butter makes the dough rich and flavorful while helping the filling turn gooey as it bakes.

Eggs
Eggs add richness, color, and softness to the dough.

Salt
A little salt balances the sweetness and keeps the dough from tasting flat.

Earl Grey tea leaves
This is the signature ingredient. The tea brings floral, citrusy depth that makes these rolls taste like a true London Fog treat.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar gives the filling warmth and moisture with a soft caramel note.

Ground cinnamon
I use just enough cinnamon to round out the filling without overpowering the tea.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla smooths out the tea flavor and makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.

Powdered sugar
This forms the base of the glaze and gives the top that sweet finish.

Heavy cream
A splash in the glaze helps create a silky texture that spreads beautifully over warm rolls.

Purple food coloring, optional
This is purely for that soft lavender look if you want the glaze to match the mood of the rolls.

How To Make the London Fog Rolls

This dough comes together in a few easy stages, and I find the process just as comforting as the finished rolls.

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Warm the milk until it is just slightly warm to the touch, then stir in the yeast and a little of the sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it looks foamy. This tells me the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic. I usually knead for about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 to 6 minutes with a mixer.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. I like to give it enough time so the rolls bake up especially light.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

Stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little more crushed Earl Grey tea. Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the filling evenly from edge to edge so every bite gets that sweet, aromatic swirl.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into even pieces and place them in a buttered baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll so they have room to puff up.

Step 6: Rise Again

Cover the pan and let the rolls rise a second time until they look soft and slightly expanded. This second rise helps create that beautiful fluffy center.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake the rolls until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through. The filling should be bubbling a bit around the edges, and the whole pan will smell like tea, vanilla, and warm sugar.

Step 8: Glaze the Warm Rolls

Whisk together powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and a tiny drop of purple food coloring if using. Spread the glaze over the warm rolls so it melts gently into the swirls.

How to Serve and Store London Fog Rolls

I love serving these rolls slightly warm, when the glaze is still soft and the centers are tender. They feel perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, baby showers, or any slow weekend breakfast when you want something a little prettier than usual.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I reheat individual rolls for a few seconds in the microwave so they turn soft again. You can also freeze the baked rolls without much trouble; just let them cool completely first, then wrap them well and thaw before reheating.

What to Serve With London Fog Rolls?

Fresh Berries

A bowl of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds brightness and keeps the plate from feeling too rich.

Vanilla Latte or Extra Earl Grey Tea

I love leaning into the café feel with another warm drink that echoes the cozy flavors in the rolls.

Scrambled Eggs

Soft eggs make a nice savory contrast if I am serving these as part of a fuller brunch spread.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

This adds a cool, creamy balance and makes the breakfast feel a little more complete.

Citrus Salad

Orange segments or a simple citrus fruit salad work beautifully with the bergamot notes in the Earl Grey.

Want More Sweet Breakfast Ideas?

If you love these London Fog Rolls, you might want to bake one of these next:

• Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins when you want a soft, cozy breakfast with plenty of swirl-like sweetness.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls for another fun roll-style treat with a creamy dessert feel.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby if you are in the mood for something bright, fruity, and brunch-worthy.
• Cinnamon Roll Cake when you want all the comfort of a classic roll in easy cake form.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to bake it again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a little extra vanilla in the glaze or a stronger Earl Grey filling? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, so feel free to share your tips or questions.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. Your next favorite bake might be waiting there.

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