From cupcakes and mini scones to cookies, these tea party desserts bring charm and sweetness to your next afternoon gathering.
1/25
Berry Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring spring flavors together in these delectable miniature tarts. Raspberries and blueberries both work well with the whipped cream and lemon curd mixture—or choose your favorite berries instead. These sweet treats are great for a ladies tea, brunch or spring holiday celebration. —Mary J. Walters, Westerville, Ohio
2/25
Chocolate Biscotti
From the Recipe Creator:
These white chocolate-drizzled cookies are a cinch to make, so I’m happy to whip up a batch any time. My neighbors always look forward to them! —Ginger Chatfield, Muscatine, Iowa
3/25
Macarons
From the Recipe Creator:
Even when decorated simply—a sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of icing—these stylish beauties will be the showstoppers on any Christmas cookie tray. They are part of our creative Christmas cookies collection every year. —Josh Rink, Photo Stylist Taste of Home
4/25
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Because cheese and sage go so well with apples, I decided to put them all in scones. These mini treats make a fall weekend brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
5/25
Gluten-Free Lemon Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law follows a gluten-free diet, so when she comes to visit I like to make her a delicious dessert. I decided to convert my grandma's whipped pound cake to be gluten- and dairy-free. My husband, who is NOT a fan of gluten-free baked goods, thought my version was amazing. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
6/25
Apple Cider Doughnut Holes
From the Recipe Creator:
Their light, tender texture and apple cider flavor make these small bites a big hit! My mom made them every year as soon as the weather turned cool. I carry on the tradition, and the aroma always brings back cherished memories. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
7/25
Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Five simple ingredients, including fresh rosemary, create these tender, delicate sweets. —Amavida Coffee, Rosemary Beach, Florida
8/25
Orange Dream Mini Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
The bright taste of these cute cupcakes reminds me and my friends of orange-and-vanilla frozen treats. —Jen Shepherd, St. Peters, Missouri
9/25
Hazelnut Madeleine Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These soft, cakelike cookies have a delicate hazelnut flavor—perfect for making great memories! They’re baked in the distinctive shell-shaped madeleine pan, available in kitchen specialty stores. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
10/25
Pecan Pie Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
While these are delicious year-round, you could easily turn them into an edible Christmas gift. They look festive on a decorative tray wrapped in red or green cellophane or tucked into a giveaway cookie plate. And don't forget to include the recipe so your recipient can enjoy this treat over and over again! —Pat Schrand, Enterprise, Alabama
11/25
Lemon Curd Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made these cookies for years. I like to give them out to family and friends. —Carole Vogel, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
12/25
Date Pecan Tea Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with dates and pecans, this sweet bread is excellent on its own and even better topped with the chunky cream cheese spread. We enjoy it during the holiday season, but also for after-school and late-night snacks. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
13/25
Apricot-Almond Tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicate, buttery tarts melt in your mouth. With their jeweled apricot tops, they make a pretty presentation on a holiday cookie tray. —Julie Dunsworth, Oviedo, Florida
14/25
Tender Pecan Logs
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they're just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. —Joyce Beck, Gadsden, Alabama
15/25
Apple Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, Kansas
16/25
Vanilla-Glazed Ginger Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Gingerbread is a flavor that works with all sorts of delicious holiday baked goods. To glaze these ginger scones, just dip a fork or spoon into the glaze mixture and then drizzle over the tops. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
17/25
Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These three-layered brownies are simply irresistible and my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
18/25
Mini Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Presto! We turned cheesecake into irresistible bite-sized snacks with these cute little treats. Feel free to use your favorite flavor of jam. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
19/25
Truffle-Filled Cookie Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I made chocolate truffles as a Christmas tradition for many years. I created this recipe to incorporate my truffles into the center of fudgy cookies. It was a hit with friends and family. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
20/25
Black Bottom Brandy Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for these bite-sized tarts started with little chocolate bottles of brandy. For an extra dash of fabulous, I place chocolate in the bottom of each pastry cup. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
21/25
Miniature Pumpkin Cake Towers
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these pumpkin treats every autumn and they are gone in minutes. The spice combination is perfect for fall, and it is all wrapped up in a pretty little cake. —Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania
22/25
First-Place Coconut Macaroons
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin
23/25
Citrus Mini Cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist bite-size muffins are melt-in-your-mouth good. With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table. The recipe makes a big batch, so there are plenty to please a crowd. —Linda Terrell, Palatka, Florida
24/25
Mini Blueberry Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this recipe to my family while we were on vacation and they were all amazed! The best part: I didn't spend tons of time on it, thanks to refrigerated pie crust. Watch your mini tarts around the 13-minute mark to make sure they don't brown too quickly. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.—Allison Bell, Hillsdale, New Jersey
25/25
Cream Puffs
From the Recipe Creator:
The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Tea Party Desserts FAQ
What desserts will elevate my afternoon tea presentation?
Elevate your afternoon tea presentation with desserts featuring bright colors and decorative touches, like glossy lemon tartlets and piped cream puffs. Stack desserts with contrasting textures and sizes on pretty dessert trays for visual appeal and variety. A sprinkle of citrus zest, edible flowers or powdered sugar gives each treat a bit of extra polish.
What are traditional dessert recipes for afternoon tea?
Traditional afternoon tea desserts include lightly sweetened cakes, like Victoria sponge and Battenberg cake, buttery shortbread cookies and tender scones, perfect for holding clotted cream and jam. These sweets are known for their delicate textures and elegant presentation. Plus, each dessert pairs well with a fresh pot of tea.
What drinks pair well with tea party desserts?
Classic black teas like Earl Grey or Darjeeling pair beautifully with tea party desserts, but there’s room to get creative. Light, caffeine-free, herbal teas, such as chamomile and mint, complement fruity or buttery treats without overwhelming them. For a modern twist, try chilled tea spritzers or a matcha latte. And if you’re planning a winter gathering, a cozy chai latte with warming spices is a festive and flavorful option.
