The art of hosting a tea party – it’s all about creating a charming atmosphere, complete with dainty sandwiches, steaming teapots, and of course, an assortment of delicate cookies that will make your guests swoon. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m excited to share my top 12 picks for cookies for tea party menus that are sure to impress. Whether you’re planning a bridal shower or just a cozy afternoon tea with friends, these finger foods are the perfect addition to your spread.
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
These buttery cookies are infused with the brightness of lemon zest and the subtlety of rosemary – a match made in heaven!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and rosemary. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the lemon juice and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These lemon rosemary shortbread cookies are perfect for a tea party because they’re easy to make, elegant, and bursting with flavor. The lemon and rosemary combination is a game-changer – trust me, your guests will be talking about these cookies long after the party’s over!
Cranberry Orange Scones
Who says scones can’t be cookies? These cranberry orange scones are the perfect finger food for your tea party.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tsp orange zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
6. Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together.
8. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
9. Cut into wedges and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These cranberry orange scones are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, and their afternoon tea vibes are undeniable. The combination of cranberries and orange zest is a delicious and unexpected surprise that will leave your guests wanting more.
Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
Who can resist the allure of chocolate and buttery shortbread? These chocolate dipped shortbread cookies are the epitome of elegance and simplicity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
8. Dip the cooled cookies into the melted chocolate, using a fork to remove excess chocolate.
Why You’ll Love It
These chocolate dipped shortbread cookies are a classic tea party favorite, and for good reason – they’re easy to make, look stunning, and taste incredible. The combination of buttery shortbread and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven!
Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These adorable raspberry jam thumbprint cookies are almost too cute to eat – almost!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup raspberry jam
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners’ sugar.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
8. Fill the indentation with a small amount of raspberry jam.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These raspberry jam thumbprint cookies are a delightful addition to any tea party spread, and their finger food size makes them perfect for grabbing off the platter. The combination of buttery cookie and sweet raspberry jam is a classic for a reason!
Lavender Honey Cookies
These lavender honey cookies are a unique and delicious twist on traditional sugar cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried lavender buds
- 1 tsp honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and lavender buds.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool before drizzling with honey.
Why You’ll Love It
These lavender honey cookies are a lovely and fragrant addition to any tea party spread, and their unique flavor combination is sure to spark interesting conversations. The combination of floral lavender and sweet honey is a game-changer!
Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
These espresso chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat for coffee lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and espresso powder.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
8. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These espresso chocolate chip cookies are a delicious and decadent treat that’s perfect for afternoon tea or bridal shower celebrations. The combination of rich espresso and dark chocolate is a match made in heaven!
Snickerdoodle Cookies
These snickerdoodle cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cinnamon sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
8. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These snickerdoodle cookies are a classic tea party favorite, and for good reason – they’re easy to make, delicious, and have a unique flavor that’s sure to impress. The combination of sweet and spicy is a game-changer!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
These peanut butter blossoms are a classic tea party treat that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp peanut butter
- 1 cup Hershey’s Kisses
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and peanut butter.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Why You’ll Love It
These peanut butter blossoms are a delicious and elegant addition to any tea party spread, and their finger food size makes them perfect for grabbing off the platter. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason!
Ginger Molasses Cookies
These ginger molasses cookies are spicy, sweet, and utterly delicious – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup molasses
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool before drizzling with molasses.
Why You’ll Love It
These ginger molasses cookies are a unique and delicious addition to any tea party spread, and their spicy kick is sure to impress. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses is a game-changer!
Coconut Macaroon Cookies
These coconut macaroon cookies are chewy, sweet, and utterly delicious – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Gradually add the coconut mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These coconut macaroon cookies are a delicious and elegant addition to any tea party spread, and their finger food size makes them perfect for grabbing off the platter. The combination of sweet coconut and chewy texture is a classic for a reason!
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
These cinnamon sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cinnamon sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
8. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These cinnamon sugar cookies are a classic tea party favorite, and for good reason – they’re easy to make, delicious, and have a unique flavor that’s sure to impress. The combination of sweet and spicy is a game-changer!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, raisins, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These oatmeal raisin cookies are a delicious and hearty addition to any tea party spread, and their finger food size makes them perfect for grabbing off the platter. The combination of sweet and spicy is a classic for a reason!
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These pumpkin spice cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These pumpkin spice cookies are a delicious and seasonal addition to any tea party spread, and their finger food size makes them perfect for grabbing off the platter. The combination of sweet and spicy is a game-changer!
In conclusion, these 12 cookies for tea party recipes are sure to impress your guests with their unique flavor combinations, elegant presentation, and finger food size. Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, afternoon tea, or just a cozy gathering with friends, these delicate cookies are the perfect addition to your spread. With their ease of preparation, delicious flavors, and beautiful presentation, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any tea party celebration. So go ahead, get baking, and make your tea party spread truly unforgettable!
