Delightful Tea Time Snacks: A Collection of Scrumptious Recipes

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup assorted berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
1 cup powdered sugar for icing
2 tablespoons milk for icing

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
Beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
Gently fold the berries into the batter.
Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the snacks are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a simple icing.
Once the snacks are done, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with the icing. Serve warm."

Tools for making

Mixing bowls - Use large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk - Use a whisk to combine the powdered sugar and milk for the icing.
Baking sheet - Grease a baking sheet to place the snacks for baking.
Measuring cups and spoons - Use these to accurately measure the ingredients.
Spatula - Use a spatula to fold in the berries into the batter.
Oven - Preheat the oven to the specified temperature for baking.
Cooling rack - Place the snacks on a cooling rack to cool slightly before adding the icing.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Replace the berries with diced apples or peaches for a fruity twist.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm and aromatic flavor.
Try using almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for some extra texture and flavor.
For a savory option, omit the sugar and berries, and instead add shredded cheese, herbs, and spices to the batter.
Create a lemon glaze instead of the icing by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves to infuse unique flavors.
Replace the buttermilk with yogurt or sour cream for a tangier taste.
Make mini versions of the tea time snacks by using a mini muffin tin or a cake pop maker.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a delightful pause in your day with these delightful Tea Time Snacks. These tasty treats are perfect for pairing with your afternoon cup of tea or coffee. Made with a simple batter of flour, sugar, and butter, they're studded with a mix of fresh, juicy berries for a burst of fruity flavor. Once baked to a golden brown, they're finished off with a drizzle of sweet icing. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. In less than an hour, you can have a batch of these scrumptious snacks ready to enjoy or share. So put on the kettle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some delicious tea time treats!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. However, note that the texture and taste of the snacks may vary.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.
Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, you can use regular milk as a substitute for buttermilk. To mimic the tanginess of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How can I store the snacks? Store the snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze the snacks? Yes, you can freeze the snacks. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowls - You'll need a few mixing bowls to prepare the batter and icing.
Whisk - A whisk will help you mix the dry ingredients and combine the icing ingredients smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons - These are essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
Rubber spatula - A rubber spatula is handy for scraping the sides of the bowls and folding in the berries.
Baking sheet - You'll need a baking sheet to place the spoonfuls of batter for baking.
Cooling rack - A cooling rack is useful for allowing the snacks to cool down evenly.
Sieve - A sieve can be used to sift the powdered sugar for the icing.
Drizzle bottle or spoon - You can use a drizzle bottle or a spoon to drizzle the icing over the snacks.

Origin stories

These delightful, berry-filled tea snacks have their roots in the tradition of British afternoon tea, a custom introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s. The Duchess often felt a "sinking feeling" in the late afternoon and started having a pot of tea with light snacks privately in her boudoir during the afternoon. Later, friends were invited to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey and this summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking in the fields." Over time, this evolved into the tradition of afternoon tea, featuring cups of hot tea and a variety of small, delectable snacks, like these berry tea cakes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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