Tea time is a tradition we definitely need to start practicing in America! Count on these delicious afternoon tea recipes for your next get-together.
30 Dainty Recipes to Serve for Afternoon Tea
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
1/29
Berry Tarts
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 241 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
2/29
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small tea sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
3/29
BLT Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick hors d'oeuvres may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I serve them at parties, brunches and picnics, and they're always a hit. Even my kids love them! —Kellie Remmen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 113 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
4/29
Mexican Chocolate Walnut-Cherry Biscotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to combine flavors and spices from different cultures. These cookies have ground cinnamon in them, which is a classic flavor in Mexican chocolate. They are very crunchy and are loaded with maraschino cherries and toasted walnuts. —Nancy C. Evans, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 208 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
5/29
Lemon Spiced Tea
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon and honey really perk up the flavor of basic lemon tea. Add a splash of lemon extract to take this drink delightfully over the top. —Adeline Russell, Hartford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
The working class who couldn’t manage the midday break that afternoon tea entails used to enjoy high tea between 5 and 7 p.m.
6/29
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
7/29
Macarons
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
30 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 macaron: 101 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/29
Shrimp Tartlets
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini tart shells filled with a cream cheese mixture, topped with seafood sauce and shrimp make for a picture-perfect, tasty appetizer. You could also serve several as a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 61 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/29
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini scone: 109 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
10/29
Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/29
Apple Cider Doughnut Holes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut hole: 71 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
12/29
Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 mini quiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini quiche: 31 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
13/29
Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Five simple ingredients, including fresh rosemary, create these tender, delicate sweets. —Amavida Coffee, Rosemary Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 42 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
14/29
Orange Dream Mini Cupcakes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini cupcake (calculated without colored sugar): 96 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/29
Honey-Citrus Iced Tea
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A frozen orange or lemon slice in the glass looks pretty and helps keep this refreshing punch nice and cold. Using honey instead of sugar adds a sweet touch. —Sheila Bradshaw, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
16/29
Hazelnut Madeleine Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 103 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/29
Smoked Salmon Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served on croissants, these grown-up sandwiches offer a great way to use leftover Easter eggs. Salmon adds smoky flavor. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 533 calories, 40g fat (11g saturated fat), 265mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
18/29
Pecan Pie Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini muffin: 102 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
19/29
Ham ‘n’ Cheese Biscuit Stacks
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 121 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
20/29
Lemon Curd Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 353 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
21/29
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & 3-Cheese Crostini
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Brussels sprouts for a snack? Oh, yes. Combine these roasted goodies with cheese for the ultimate toast topper. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/29
Date Pecan Tea Bread
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces) and 1/2 cup spread
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1-1/2 teaspoons spread: 312 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
23/29
Apricot-Almond Tartlets
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 103 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/29
Pineapple Iced Tea
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a large family, so we go through beverages quickly at our house. This thirst-quenching tea is simple to mix together and has a sparkling citrus flavor we all enjoy. —K. Kitell, Lenexa, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 43 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
25/29
Tender Pecan Logs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 117 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
26/29
Apple Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 slices each)
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 253 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
27/29
Vanilla-Glazed Ginger Scones
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 299 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
28/29
Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These three-layered brownies are simply irresistible and my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 212 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
29/29
Flank Steak Crostini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or as a special Sunday football snack. My kids love it and so do my friends and family. You can substitute butter for the olive oil, or any kind of steak for the flank steak. —Donna Evaro, Casper, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
