Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu

There’s a quiet elegance in the tradition of Christmas afternoon tea—a moment where time slows, and the world outside fades away. Picture soft flickers of candlelight dancing on the table, as delicate tea cups brim with warm tea and the air is filled with the sweet scent of festive treats. This is a celebration not just of flavor, but of connection—of shared laughter, whispered stories, and the comforting embrace of holiday joy. With each sip and bite, the spirit of Christmas weaves its magic, turning an afternoon into a cherished memory.

At the heart of this festive gathering are the treats that capture the essence of the season. Mini gingerbread tea cakes, infused with the warmth of cinnamon and molasses, and filled with a velvety cream, become more than just a dessert—they are a symbol of everything Christmas brings. These little cakes, paired with a perfectly brewed cup of tea, offer a delightful escape into the comforts of the season. Whether you’re hosting an elegant tea party or enjoying a cozy afternoon with loved ones, these treats will transport you into a world of Christmas wonder, one bite at a time.

I would recommend pairing these recipes with teas such as peppermint, chai, earl gray, apple cider, or a Christmas spiced tea. So, put out your best tea set, cutlery, plates, napkins, and some elegant Christmas decor and let's prepare the perfect Christmas afternoon tea.

Tea Sandwiches

Turkey & Cranberry Sandwiches

Ingredients

• Roasted turkey slices

• Cranberry sauce

• Fresh thyme

• Soft white or whole wheat sliced bread (crustless)
  

Instructions
Spread cranberry sauce on one slice of bread, layer with turkey slices, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme. Close and cut into bite-sized rectangles.

Roast Beef & Rosemary Sandwiches

Ingredients

• Thinly sliced roast beef

• Cream cheese with Dijon mustard

• Fresh rosemary (chopped)

• Whole wheat or white bread

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Soft white or whole wheat sliced bread (crustless)

Instructions

Mix cream cheese with Dijon mustard, chopped rosemary, and black pepper. Spread on bread, layer with roast beef slices, close the sandwich, and cut into bite-sized rectangles.

Roasted Red Pepper, Feta & Pesto Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Roasted red peppers (sliced)

• Feta Cheese (softened)

• Basil pesto

• Soft white or whole wheat sliced bread (crustless)

• (Optional) a drizzle of high quality bitter olive oil

Instructions

Spread a layer of goat cheese on one slice of bread and the pesto on the other, then layer with roasted red pepper slices. Close the sandwich and cut into bite-sized rectangles.

Christmas Spiced Egg Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 4 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• Soft white or whole wheat bread (Crustless)

Instructions

Mix chopped eggs with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Spread the egg mixture on the bread, close the sandwich, and cut into bite-sized rectangles.

Scones

Eggnog Scones

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup cane sugar

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup cold butter

• 1/2 cup eggnog

• 1 egg

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine flour, sugar, salt and nutmeg. Cut in butter and incorporate into the mixture until crumby. Separately, mix eggnog, egg, and vanilla, then stir into dry ingredients and kneed until it comes together. Shape into a disk, cut into wedges or use the top of a cup to cut into rounds. Next, brush eggnog on top to glaze, and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving with clotted cream and your choice of jam.

Ingredients:

• 1 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup cane sugar

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 1/2 cup cold butter

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg

Orange & Almond Scones

Instructions

Combine flours, sugar, salt and orange zest. Cut in butter and incorporate into the mixture until crumby and stir in the sliced almonds and orange zest. Separately, mix heavy cream, egg, and vanilla, then stir into dry ingredients and kneed until it comes together. Shape into a disk, cut into wedges or use the top of a cup to cut into rounds. Next, brush heavy cream on top to glaze, and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving and garnish with extra sliced almonds if desired. Serve with clotted cream and your choice of jam.

Sweets

Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

• Crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Separately, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then stir in dry ingredients and peppermint extract. Shape dough, cut into flat rounds or use a cookie cutter, and bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes. Top with chocolate chips and crushed candy canes (optional). Cool completely.

Salted Caramel Marzipan Tart

Ingredients

• 1 package pre-made tart shells

• 1/2 cup marzipan (crumbled or sliced thinly)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup cane sugar

• 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus extra for garnish)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• Sliced almonds (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Bake tart shells at 350°F according to package instructions and allow them to cool. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Crumble marzipan into the tart shells, then pour the caramel mixture over the marzipan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the caramel is set. Cool completely, then garnish with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of extra sea salt.

Gingerbread Tea Cakes with Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients for Tea Cakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup molasses

Ingredients for Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Honey or maple syrup to taste

Instructions
Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Separately. cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then beat in the egg and molasses. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until well combined. Spoon batter into mini muffin tins half way and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Allow cakes to cool completely.
Whip heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and thick. Stir in vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup to taste. Slice the cooled cakes in half, spread with cream filling, add a dollop or swirl of cream on top too and sandwich them together.

Your Christmas afternoon tea is now ready to enjoy! ♡

Saved by grace through faith ✞