Tea parties are a delightful way to spend time with friends and family. They offer a chance to enjoy good company, sip on tasty beverages, and indulge in scrumptious treats.

These 30 tea party recipes will help you create a memorable and delicious spread for your next gathering.

From savory finger sandwiches to sweet scones and pastries, there’s something for everyone in this collection.

You’ll find classic recipes as well as modern twists on traditional favorites. Whether you’re planning a formal affair or a casual get-together, these recipes will impress your guests and make your tea party a success.

1. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber tea sandwiches are a classic choice for tea parties. You’ll need bread, cucumbers, and a creamy spread.

Start by thinly slicing an English cucumber. Place the slices between paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a touch of lemon zest for the spread. Add some fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor.

Spread the mixture on bread slices. Arrange cucumber slices on top and cover with another slice of bread.

Cut off the crusts and slice the sandwiches into small triangles or rectangles. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.

These sandwiches are light, refreshing, and perfect for your tea party spread.

2. Classic Scones

Classic scones are a must-have for any tea party. You can make these tasty treats easily at home.

Start by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.

Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Add milk or cream to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix.

Shape the dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with milk or egg wash for a golden color. Bake at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes until they’re lightly browned.

Serve your scones warm with clotted cream and jam for a classic tea time experience. You can also add dried fruit or nuts to the dough for extra flavor.

3. Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon drizzle cake is a perfect treat for your tea party. This moist and tangy dessert will delight your guests with its bright citrus flavor.

To make it, you’ll need simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemons. Mix the batter and bake until golden brown.

The magic happens when you drizzle a lemon syrup over the warm cake. This gives it a sweet, crunchy top and keeps it moist inside.

You can make this cake ahead of time, as it stays fresh for several days. Serve it in slices with a cup of hot tea for a classic British afternoon treat.

4. Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Earl Grey shortbread cookies are a delightful treat for your tea party. These buttery cookies have a hint of bergamot from the tea leaves.

To make them, cream butter with powdered sugar. Mix in flour, salt, and Earl Grey tea leaves. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.

Bake the cookies at 350°F until lightly golden. For extra flavor, add some lemon zest to the dough. You can also top them with a simple lemon glaze after baking.

These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of Earl Grey tea. They’re sure to impress your guests with their elegant flavor and appearance.

5. Tea-Infused Deviled Eggs

Tea-infused deviled eggs add a unique twist to a classic party favorite. To make them, start by hard-boiling your eggs as usual.

Once cooked, gently crack the shells without peeling them. Soak the cracked eggs in a mixture of strong black tea, soy sauce, and spices like star anise.

Let the eggs sit in the tea mixture overnight in the fridge. When you peel them, you’ll reveal a beautiful marbled pattern on the whites.

Cut the eggs in half and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayonnaise and seasonings, then pipe the mixture back into the tea-stained egg whites.

These eggs look fancy and taste great. They’re sure to impress your tea party guests.

6. Mini Quiche Lorraine

Mini Quiche Lorraine is a perfect tea party treat. These bite-sized pastries are filled with a savory egg custard, crispy bacon, and melted Swiss cheese.

To make them, start by lining mini muffin tins with pastry dough. Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble it.

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper for the filling. Add the crumbled bacon and shredded Swiss cheese to the mixture.

Pour the filling into the pastry shells, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake until the quiches are golden and set.

These mini quiches are best served warm. You can make them ahead and reheat before your tea party.

7. Lemon Curd Tarts

Lemon curd tarts are a perfect addition to your tea party menu. These tangy treats offer a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors.

To make the tarts, start with a buttery crust. You can use cookie crumbs or pastry dough for the base. Press the mixture into small tart pans.

For the filling, mix lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter in a bowl. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This process takes about 5-10 minutes.

Once the lemon curd is ready, pour it into the prepared tart shells. Let the tarts cool before serving. You can make these treats ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

These zesty tarts will impress your guests with their bright flavor and elegant appearance.

8. Lavender Macarons

Lavender macarons are a delightful treat for your tea party. These French cookies have a light, crisp shell and a soft, chewy center. The lavender flavor adds a unique twist to the classic macaron.

To make them, you’ll need almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, and dried lavender. The filling is often a lavender-infused buttercream or ganache.

These pretty purple cookies look beautiful on a tiered serving platter. They pair well with Earl Grey or chamomile tea. Your guests will be impressed by these elegant and tasty treats.

9. Spinach and Feta Pinwheels

Spinach and feta pinwheels are a tasty treat for your tea party. You’ll need puff pastry sheets as the base.

Spread a mixture of cooked spinach, crumbled feta, and herbs on the pastry. Then, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape.

Slice it into rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake the pinwheels until they’re crisp and golden brown. Serve them warm or at room temperature. These savory bites are sure to impress your guests with their flaky texture and rich flavor.

10. Earl Grey Madeleines

Earl Grey madeleines add a tea-infused twist to the classic French treat. To make them, you’ll need Earl Grey tea leaves, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.

Start by melting butter and setting it aside to cool. Mix sugar with finely chopped Earl Grey tea leaves and lemon zest in a bowl. This step releases the tea’s aromatic oils.

In another bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Combine the egg mixture with the sugar-tea blend.

Gently fold in sifted flour and baking powder. Then, add the cooled melted butter to the batter.

Pour the mixture into madeleine molds and bake until golden brown. The result is a delicate, tea-scented cookie with a distinctive shell shape.

11. Raspberry Jam Thumbprints

Raspberry jam thumbprints are a classic tea party treat. To make them, cream butter and sugar together until smooth. Mix in flour and salt to form a dough.

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in each cookie. Chill the dough for about an hour to help maintain shape.

Fill each indent with raspberry jam. Then, bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let them cool completely before serving.

These buttery cookies with sweet raspberry centers are perfect for your tea party spread. You can easily customize them by using different jam flavors too.

12. Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry orange bread is a tasty treat for your tea party. It combines tart cranberries with zesty orange flavor. This bread is easy to make and smells amazing while baking.

To make it, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine orange juice, eggs, and melted butter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Then, fold in fresh cranberries and orange zest.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for about an hour. Let it cool before slicing. The bread has a moist texture and bright flavor that your guests will love.

13. Cheddar Chive Scones

Cheddar chive scones are a tasty addition to your tea party spread. These savory treats combine sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives for a burst of flavor.

To make them, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, stir in shredded cheddar and chopped chives.

Add buttermilk or milk to form a soft dough. Pat the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges. Brush the tops with cream for a golden finish.

Bake the scones at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re lightly browned. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture.

14. Chocolate Dipped Biscotti

Chocolate dipped biscotti are crunchy Italian cookies perfect for tea parties. You can make them at home with a few simple steps.

Start by mixing butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, fold in nuts like almonds or pecans if desired.

Shape the dough into logs and bake. Let them cool, then slice and bake again for extra crispness.

Melt chocolate in short bursts in the microwave. Then, dip one end of each biscotti in the melted chocolate. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if you like.

Let the chocolate set before serving. These treats pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.

15. Apricot Almond Tartlets

Apricot almond tartlets are a delightful addition to any tea party. These mini tarts combine sweet apricots with nutty almonds in a buttery crust.

To make them, start with refrigerated pie dough. Cut it into small circles and press into mini muffin tins.

Fill each shell with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, butter, and egg. Then, top the filling with sliced apricots. Fresh or canned apricots both work well.

Bake the tartlets until golden brown, usually about 20-25 minutes at 350°F. For extra flavor, brush the tops with warmed apricot jam after baking. This gives a lovely shine and enhances the apricot taste.

Serve these bite-sized treats alongside your favorite tea for a perfect pairing.

16. Honey Glazed Ham Sliders

Honey glazed ham sliders are a tasty treat for your tea party. You’ll need small rolls, sliced ham, and cheese.

Cut the rolls in half and layer with ham and cheese. Then, mix melted butter, honey, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.

Pour this over the assembled sliders. You can add poppy seeds for extra flavor.

Place the sliders in a baking dish and cover with foil. Let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This lets the flavors blend.

Bake the sliders at 350°F for about 20 minutes. They’re done when the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown. Serve these warm, gooey sliders to your guests.

17. Rosemary Parmesan Crackers

These crackers are a delicious addition to your tea party spread. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by mixing flour, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and salt in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until the mixture looks like sand.

Slowly add water or cream while pulsing until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.

The result is crispy, savory crackers with a wonderful aroma of rosemary and Parmesan. They pair well with cheese or can be enjoyed on their own.

18. Berry Pavlova Bites

Berry Pavlova Bites are perfect mini desserts for your tea party. You’ll love these crisp meringue shells topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.

To make them, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar and cornstarch while beating.

Spoon small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, bake at 275°F for about an hour until crisp. Let cool completely.

Top with whipped cream and a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries just before serving. These bite-sized treats offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

The crunchy meringue pairs wonderfully with the smooth cream and juicy berries.

19. Curried Chicken Tea Sandwiches

Curried chicken tea sandwiches are a tasty and elegant choice for your next tea party. You can make these mini sandwiches easily with a few simple ingredients.

Start by mixing cooked, diced chicken with mayonnaise, curry powder, and lime juice. Add chopped celery, apple, and cranberries for extra flavor and crunch.

Spread the mixture on small pieces of bread. You can use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like hearts. Remove the crusts for a more refined look.

These sandwiches are best served chilled. Make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until your guests arrive. They’re perfect for a light lunch or afternoon snack.

20. Chai Spice Cake

Chai spice cake brings the warm flavors of chai tea to a delicious dessert. This cake combines cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other spices for a comforting taste.

To make a chai spice cake, mix the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and spices. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.

Combine the wet and dry mixtures. Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before frosting.

Cream cheese frosting pairs well with the spicy flavors. Serve this cake at your next tea party for a tasty treat that complements your favorite tea.

21. Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Vanilla bean panna cotta is a creamy Italian dessert perfect for tea parties. You can make it ahead of time, which is great for planning.

To prepare, mix cream, sugar, and vanilla bean in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the vanilla infuse.

Add gelatin to the mixture and stir until smooth. Pour into small dishes or ramekins. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours until set.

Serve the panna cotta plain or with a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also top it with fresh berries for added flavor and color.

22. Savory Palmiers

Savory palmiers are a delicious twist on the classic sweet pastry. These flaky, crispy treats are perfect for tea parties.

To make them, start with puff pastry sheets. Roll them out and sprinkle with cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Gruyère and thyme make a tasty combination.

Fold the edges of the pastry towards the center, then fold again to create the signature palmier shape. Chill the rolled pastry for 30 minutes.

Slice the chilled pastry into thin pieces. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes until golden brown.

You can get creative with flavors. Try bacon and caramelized onions or a savory bagel seasoning mix for variety.

23. Pistachio Baklava

Pistachio baklava is a sweet, flaky pastry perfect for tea parties. You’ll need phyllo dough, chopped pistachios, and butter to create this treat.

Start by layering buttered phyllo sheets in a baking dish. Sprinkle a mixture of ground pistachios and powdered sugar between layers.

Cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking. This makes serving easier later.

Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 45-50 minutes. While it bakes, prepare a honey syrup with sugar, water, and lemon juice.

Pour the hot syrup over the baked baklava. Let it cool and absorb the sweet syrup before serving.

24. Pomegranate White Chocolate Bark

Pomegranate white chocolate bark is a tasty treat for your tea party. You’ll love how easy it is to make.

Start by melting white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios on top. Gently press them into the chocolate.

Let the bark cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once it’s firm, break it into pieces.

The bright red pomegranate seeds look beautiful against the white chocolate. This sweet and tart snack is perfect with tea. Your guests will enjoy the mix of creamy chocolate and juicy pomegranate.

25. Marble Tea Eggs

Marble tea eggs are a tasty Chinese snack with a unique marbled look. To make them, you first hard-boil eggs. Then crack the shells all over without peeling them.

Next, simmer the cracked eggs in a mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices. This infuses them with flavor and creates a pretty marbled pattern on the egg whites.

Common spices for the simmering liquid include star anise, cinnamon, and Chinese five spice powder. You can adjust the flavors to your liking.

After simmering, let the eggs soak in the liquid for several hours or overnight. This deepens the flavor and color.

Peel and serve the eggs as a tasty tea party snack.

26. Mint Pea Crostini

Mint pea crostini is a light and refreshing appetizer perfect for your tea party.

Start by boiling fresh or frozen peas until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and cool them in an ice bath.

Blend the cooled peas with fresh mint leaves, a bit of olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toast thin slices of baguette until golden brown. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese on each crostini. Top with a spoonful of the pea mixture.

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a small piece of crispy pancetta. These bright green bites will add a pop of color to your tea party spread.

27. Cinnamon Apple Scones

Cinnamon apple scones are a perfect addition to your tea party menu. You’ll love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple in these tender, flaky pastries.

To make these scones, start by mixing flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Grate frozen butter into the dry ingredients and mix gently.

Add diced apples to the mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, an egg, and vanilla extract.

Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Shape the dough into a disc and cut it into wedges.

Brush with cream and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until golden brown and enjoy with your favorite tea.

28. Fig and Walnut Biscotti

Fig and walnut biscotti are crunchy Italian cookies perfect for tea parties. To make them, you’ll need flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, anise seed, eggs, and orange zest.

Chop dried figs and walnuts finely. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and beat the wet ingredients in another. Combine everything to form a dough.

Shape the dough into logs and bake at 325°F. After the first bake, slice the logs diagonally and bake again until crisp.

These biscotti have a delightful mix of nutty and fruity flavors. The anise adds a subtle licorice taste. Serve them with tea or coffee for dunking.

29. Orange Blossom Financiers

Orange Blossom Financiers are delicate French tea cakes perfect for your next tea party. These small, rectangular treats have a light texture and rich flavor.

To make them, you’ll need almond flour, sugar, egg whites, and browned butter. The orange blossom water gives them a unique floral taste.

Mix the dry ingredients, then fold in the egg whites and cooled browned butter. Add a splash of orange blossom water for fragrance.

Bake the batter in small rectangular molds until golden brown. The cakes should have a crisp exterior and a soft, moist center.

Serve these elegant financiers alongside your favorite tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat. Their subtle sweetness and orange aroma will impress your guests.

30. Turmeric Ginger Tea Cookies

These cookies are a perfect addition to your tea party. They blend the warm flavors of turmeric and ginger with the sweetness of a traditional cookie.

To make them, mix almond butter with sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Add ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans for extra texture. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown. These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of black tea or chai.

Their unique flavor profile will impress your guests and add a special touch to your tea party spread.

History of Tea Parties

Tea parties have a rich history dating back centuries. They’ve evolved from formal social gatherings to beloved cultural traditions enjoyed worldwide.

Origins and Cultural Significance

Tea parties started in England in the 1800s. Queen Victoria made them popular. Rich people held fancy afternoon teas to show off their wealth. They served small sandwiches, cakes, and fine china.

Tea parties spread to America in the 1700s. Colonists drank tea imported by the British East India Company. It was expensive and seen as a luxury. Only the upper class could afford it at first.

The Boston Tea Party in 1773 changed things. Colonists dumped British tea in the harbor to protest taxes. This event helped spark the American Revolution.

Evolution of Tea Party Traditions

Tea parties changed over time. In the Victorian era, they became more formal. Strict rules about manners and dress codes were common. People used special tea sets and followed specific customs.

In the early 1900s, tea parties became more casual. They were a way for women to socialize. Recipes for finger sandwiches and small cakes became popular.

Today, tea parties are fun events for all ages. You can have themed parties like Alice in Wonderland or Victorian-style gatherings. Many people enjoy hosting tea parties at home with friends and family.

Tea rooms and hotels often offer afternoon tea experiences. You can try different teas and enjoy tasty treats in a fancy setting.

Key Ingredients for a Successful Tea Party

A great tea party needs tasty teas and yummy snacks. The right mix of drinks and food makes guests happy.

Essential Teas and Infusions

Pick a mix of teas for your party. Black tea like Earl Grey is a classic choice. Green tea is light and fresh. Herbal teas are good for guests who don’t want caffeine.

Try fruit-flavored teas too. Peach or berry teas are popular. Make sure to have hot water ready. Let guests choose their own tea bags.

Iced tea is nice for warm days. Lemon-ginger iced tea is refreshing. You can make it ahead of time. Add fruit ice cubes for a fun touch.

Classic Accompaniments

Finger sandwiches are a must. Try cucumber and cream cheese on white bread. Cut the crusts off for a fancy look.

Egg salad or chicken salad sandwiches work well too.

Scones are perfect with tea. Serve them with jam and clotted cream.

Lemon curd is another tasty spread option.

Don’t forget sweet treats. Mini cupcakes or cookies are easy to eat.

Fruit tarts add color to your table.

A mix of textures and flavors keeps things interesting.

Offer milk, sugar, and lemon slices for the tea. Some guests like their tea plain, others prefer it sweetened.