Afternoon tea will be a delight when you serve this tasty tea party food. From mini sandwiches to tiny scones, we've got all the tea party food ideas you could ask for.
37 Dainty Tea Party Foods
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Luscious Blueberry Jam
This perfectly spreadable blueberry jam boasts a beautiful dark color with a sweet seasonal flavor. —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
There are different time-honored tea traditions of English tea. Get yourself familiarized with the concept of high tea.
1/37
2/37
Savory Cucumber Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Italian salad dressing easily flavors this delicious cucumber sandwich recipe. Serve them as an appetizer for a holiday party or with tea as a snack. —Carol K Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 62 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Looking for some more inspiration for your upcoming tea party? Use our curated list of the best tea sandwiches that are sure to leave an impression on your guests.
3/37
Traditional Scones
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Making scones is very simple—I learned from my wife, and I even hosted an English tea. These are light and very tasty. —Chuck Hinz, Parma, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 144 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/37
Homemade Lemon Curd
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-2/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon curd is a scrumptious spread for scones, biscuits or other baked goods. You can find it in larger grocery stores alongside the jams and jellies or with the baking supplies, but we like making this lemon curd recipe from scratch. —Mark Hagen, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 110 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/37
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make, come together fast, and taste so good with your morning coffee. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 409 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
6/37
Turkey Tea Sandwiches with Basil Mayonnaise
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 tea sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Basil mayonnaise is the secret to these tasty little sandwiches. Keep any extra mayo in the fridge to spread on other sandwiches, stir into egg salad or layer on pizza crust before topping it with other ingredients. —Lara Pennell, Mauldin, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 tea sandwich: 90 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
7/37
Wild Plum Jelly
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 8 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve had this wild plum jelly recipe for ages. Each year when the plums are ripe, I’ll fill my pail and make this jelly. It’s so good served with toast, pancakes or waffles! —Ludell Heuser, Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 108 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 28g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
8/37
Soft Honey Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These old-fashioned honey cookies have a subtle honey-cinnamon flavor and a tender texture. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years and now it can be one at your house, too. —Rochelle Friedman, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 77 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/37
Dried Cranberry Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I go on vacation with my best friend to Michigan every July. Her cousin is allowed to come, too—but only if she brings her special cherry scones! I make them with cranberries for the holidays. Don’t try to double this recipe. If you need more than 12, make two separate batches of dough. —Sherry Leonard, Whitsett, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 247 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
10/37
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.
11/37
Rose Petal Honey
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious recipe is a perfect topping for toast or English muffins. It is so simple to make and will impress guests at tea.—Mary Kay Dixson, Decatur, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 39 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
12/37
Mini Blueberry Bundt Cakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pretty berry cakes are perfectly portioned and topped with a yummy lemon-flavored glaze. —Cathy Isaak, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini cake: 560 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
13/37
Sunburst Spiced Tea
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our home economists use oranges and lemon to lend a lovely citrus flavor to ordinary black tea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 2 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Free food.
14/37
Mini Rum Cakes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother and I tried many different types of rum cake to find the best one, and finally hit on this cake that doesn’t dry out and imparts the most flavor. For a really moist cake, brush rum over the individual sponge cakes before topping them with the filling. —Dona M. Hoffman, Addison, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake: 238 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
15/37
Very Berry Spread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 8 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Two kinds of berries make this jam deliciously different. I always keep some on hand. —Irene Hagel, Choiceland, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 86 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 22g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
16/37
Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Scones
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
This strawberry scones recipe is rich with cream and packed with berry goodness. If you are like me, you won’t be able to eat just one! —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 233 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/37
Earl Grey Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Biscuit-like Earl Grey cookies are a wonderful addition to holiday cookie swaps because they are truly unique. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 51 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/37
Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/37
Apricot Amaretto Jam
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick, chunky apricot jam was my grandma’s recipe; it’s lovely to make something for my family and friends that she made for hers! —Linda Wegner, Robinson, Illinois
20/37
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.
21/37
Spiced Apple Tea
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to try new recipes for my husband and our friends. This spiced apple tea is one of our favorites. I like to serve it warm or refrigerate and serve it cold, too. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
22/37
Tea Cakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve baked many batches of cookies through the years, but family and friends tell me these southern treats are the best. The simple buttery flavor appeals to all. —Doris McGough, Dothan, AL
Nutrition Facts:
1 tea cake: 74 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
23/37
Carrot Cake Jam
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace from berry jams, try this unique option. Spread on a bagel with cream cheese, it tastes almost as good as real carrot cake! —Rachelle Stratton, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 88 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
24/37
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.
25/37
Lemon Basil Tea
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Infused with basil and lemon, this oh-so-drinkable recipe tastes as good as it smells. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 2 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
26/37
27/37
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 286 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
28/37
Lemon Blueberry Scones
Total Time
30 min
Servings
14 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy serving these fruity scones for baby and bridal showers. They're a bit lower in fat than most other scones, so you can indulge with little guilt. —Jacqueline Hendershot, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 158 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
29/37
Finger-Licking Good Mini Cream Puffs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is quick and easy to whip up and the kids will love it! They are perfect to pack for a picnic or to have as a snack for family game night I guarantee you can’t eat just one…they are so addicting and they’re perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth! —Jennifer Erwin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled cream puff: 52 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
30/37
Cranberry Orange Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Moist and scrumptious, these scones come out perfect every time. I savor the chewy dried cranberries and sweet orange glaze. There’s nothing better than serving these remarkable scones warm with the delicate orange butter. —Karen McBride, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 331 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
31/37
Ginger Blueberry Jam
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was very young, I watched my grandma make this jam in the kitchen. As I sneaked blueberries to snack on, she picked me up and told me that if I wanted any more, I’d need to learn to make this jam! —Jill Drury, River Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 108 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
32/37
Citrus Mini Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist, bite-size muffins are melt-in-your-mouth good. The recipe makes a big batch, so there’s plenty to please a crowd. —Linda Terrell, Palatka, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini cakes: 131 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
33/37
Violet Jelly
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 5 half pints
From the Recipe Creator:
For a beautiful jelly to give as gifts, I make this recipe. Not only is it delicious but it will impress all! — Bernard Bellin, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 86 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
34/37
Pecan Shortbread Tea Cakes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My Grandma Ellis made her shortbread cookies only at Christmas because the ingredients were so indulgent. The results are, too! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 112 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
35/37
Bourbon Peach Jam
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
3 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Bourbon has been popular at our house since we visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail a few years ago. Every bite of this jam reminds me of that fun trip. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 88 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
36/37
Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 166 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/37
Kumquat Marmalade
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
7 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I didn’t even know what a kumquat was until my husband and I discovered them in southern Florida. Now I love using them for marmalade. I always get carried away making it and am happy to share! —Faye Robinson, Pensacola, Florida
