Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon, laughter filling the air as delicate cucumber sandwiches and fluffy scones are lovingly arranged on a beautifully set table. With each bite of these tea party snacks, the crisp freshness of cucumbers dances with the buttery richness of the scones, while sweet mini pastries beckon you for just one more taste.
As I reminisce about my grandmother’s charming tea parties, I can almost hear her gentle laughter and see the twinkle in her eye as she served these delightful treats. Whether it’s a special gathering or an impromptu get-together with friends, these tea party snacks promise to elevate any occasion into an unforgettable experience filled with warmth and joy.
Why Is tea party snacks So Irresistibly Good?
Delightful flavors come together in these charming bites, from refreshing cucumber sandwiches that melt in your mouth to fluffy scones bursting with dried fruit. These elegant mini pastries are a sweet surprise, making them a crowd favorite. Plus, with just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have the perfect assortment to impress your guests without the stress!
tea party snacks Ingredients
For the Cucumber Sandwiches
- 1 loaf white bread (sliced) – Choose fresh, soft bread for the best texture in your delightful tea party snacks.
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened) – This creamy base adds a rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 medium cucumber (thinly sliced) – Fresh and crunchy slices lend a refreshing bite to each sandwich.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped) – Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
- to taste salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the creaminess.
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for your tender scones, providing structure and lightness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – This leavening agent helps your scones rise to fluffy perfection.
- ¼ cup sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory elements in your tea party snacks.
- ½ cup butter (cold and cubed) – Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky layers in your scones.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Adds moisture and richness, making these scones delightfully tender.
- 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries) – Sweet bursts of flavor that make every bite a treat.
For the Mini Pastries
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed) – Provides a flaky, buttery shell for your sweet fillings, perfect for impressing guests.
- 1 cup fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot) – These add a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to each mini pastry.
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash) – An egg wash gives your pastries a beautiful golden finish when baked.
Directions: tea party snacks
1. Spread cream cheese on one side of each slice of white bread. This creates a creamy base that will hold everything together beautifully.
2. Layer cucumber slices on half of the bread slices. Aim for even coverage to ensure each bite is refreshing and crunchy.
3. Sprinkle with fresh dill and salt, then top with the remaining slices of bread. The dill adds a lovely herbaceous note, bringing your sandwiches to life!
4. Cut into quarters and serve. These delightful bites are perfect for sharing at your tea party!
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for the scones, ensuring it's hot enough for a perfect rise.
6. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together for an even mixture that will create fluffy scones.
7. Cut in cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial; you want tiny butter pieces for flakiness!
8. Stir in heavy cream and dried fruit until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough scones!
9. Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, then shape into a circle about 1 inch thick. You’re aiming for texture, not perfection!
10. Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma as they rise.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for the mini pastries while you prepare them.
13. Roll out thawed puff pastry and cut into squares, ensuring each piece is uniform for even baking.
14. Place a small spoonful of fruit preserves in the center of each square, giving them that sweet burst of flavor everyone loves.
15. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and seal tightly to prevent leaks during baking.
16. Brush with beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden sheen as they bake—this step is key for presentation!
17. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed, creating an irresistible treat that will delight your guests.
Optional: Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side for an extra touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best tea party snacks
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cucumbers and high-quality cream cheese to enhance flavor and texture in your cucumber sandwiches.
- Bread Choice: Opt for soft, fresh white bread; stale bread can lead to dry sandwiches that crumble easily.
- Even Spreading: Spread cream cheese evenly for a balanced taste in each bite. Avoid clumps or gaps.
- Perfect Scones: Don't over-knead the scone dough; gently combine to keep them light and fluffy.
- Chill Butter: Ensure your butter is cold when making scones to achieve that delightful flaky texture.
- Egg Wash: Brush mini pastries with beaten egg thoroughly before baking for a beautiful golden finish, avoiding pale patches.
How to Store and Freeze tea party snacks
- Fridge: Store cucumber sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, so consume them quickly!
- Freezer: Scones can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen when ready!
- Room Temperature: Mini pastries are best kept at room temperature for up to 1 day, but ensure they are covered to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: If you’ve frozen scones, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes after thawing for that freshly baked taste!
tea party snacks Your Way
Feel free to get creative and personalize these delightful nibbles to suit your taste and guests!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and flour blends for a safe option that's just as tasty. These variations keep the texture light and fluffy, ensuring everyone can enjoy them without worry.
- Herbed Cream Cheese: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or basil for an aromatic twist. This adds a burst of flavor that elevates the classic cucumber sandwich into something extraordinary.
- Avocado Spread: Replace cream cheese with mashed avocado for a creamy, nutritious alternative. The subtle flavor of avocado pairs wonderfully with cucumber, providing a fresh touch to each bite.
- Spicy Kick: Add thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to your cream cheese spread. This will give your sandwiches an unexpected heat that makes them memorable and exciting.
- Sourdough Bread: Swap white bread for sourdough to introduce a tangy flavor profile. The chewy texture adds depth while still complementing the crisp cucumbers beautifully.
- Smoked Salmon: Layer smoked salmon on top of the cucumber for a luxurious upgrade. This addition brings a savory richness that transforms your snack into a gourmet treat.
- Sweet Twist: For a unique dessert version, include honey or agave syrup in the cream cheese. Paired with sliced strawberries instead of cucumber, these sandwiches become a delightful sweet option at your tea party.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing tea party snacks like these cucumber sandwiches, scones, and mini pastries is a delightful way to save time while still impressing your guests. The cucumber sandwiches can be made up to 24 hours in advance; simply spread cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread, layer with cucumber slices, sprinkle with dill and salt, then top with another slice. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. For the scones, you can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and sugar) and cut in the butter up to 3 days ahead; just add the cream and dried fruit when you're ready to bake. As for the mini pastries, you can assemble them in advance, brush them with egg wash, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, your tea party snacks are ready to serve while allowing you more time to enjoy your gathering!
tea party snacks Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for cucumber sandwiches?
While white bread is traditional, feel free to experiment with whole grain or rye for a different flavor. Just ensure the bread is soft so it doesn't overpower the delicate cucumbers.
Can I make the scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the scone dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping and cutting.
How should I store leftover mini pastries?
Store any leftover mini pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them; just make sure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They'll last about 1 month in the freezer!
What can I substitute for cream cheese in cucumber sandwiches?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or hummus can be excellent substitutes. They both add a nice creaminess while keeping flavors vibrant.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This delightful assortment of tea party snacks serves 4, making it perfect for an intimate gathering or celebration. Each serving has approximately 150 calories, allowing everyone to enjoy without too much guilt!
What should I do if my scones don’t rise properly?
If your scones don't rise as expected, check that your baking powder is fresh; expired leavening agents can lead to flat scones. Also, be careful not to overwork the dough—mix until just combined, then gently knead before baking at 400°F (200°C) for that golden brown finish!
Tea Party Snacks
Ingredients
Method
- Spread cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer cucumber slices on half of the bread slices.
- Sprinkle with dill and salt, then top with remaining bread slices.
- Cut into quarters and serve.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cream and dried fruit until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, then shape into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares.
- Place a small spoonful of fruit preserves in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and seal.
- Brush with beaten egg and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed.
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