Host the perfect afternoon tea with these easy mini pastries—think dainty macaroons, tartlets, cookie bites, and more—all made from What’s Baking’s gluten-free and giftable recipes.
✨ Tea Time, Elevated
There’s something timeless and charming about afternoon tea—especially when the table is filled with delicate, homemade mini pastries. Whether you're planning a baby shower, a cozy Sunday brunch, or just elevating your weekend, these bite-sized bakes add elegance without stress.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- The best mini pastries from What’s Baking
- Beautiful tiered serving ideas
- Make-ahead and freezing tips
- Tea pairing suggestions to complete the moment
🧁 Sweet & Petite Treats (Mini Pastries)
These mini desserts look dainty, taste amazing, and require minimal effort — perfect for your next tea party.
- Coconut Macaroons Recipe
Crisp on the outside, soft inside. Try them plain or dipped in dark chocolate. - Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Roll into 1-inch balls and flatten for the perfect tea-sized cookie. - Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Cut into tiny squares and top with whipped cream or a berry for flair. - White Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe
Cube and skewer with toothpicks for modern presentation. - Vanilla Cupcake Loaf Recipe
Bake in mini muffin tins and top with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.
🥧 Tartlets & Filled Shells
These tiny tart bases are gluten-free, crisp, and ready to fill with jam, cream, or lemon curd.
- Almond Flour Cake Recipe
Press into mini tins, bake, and fill with lemon curd, ganache, or vanilla cream. - Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Use as a tart filling or as a sweet "sandwich" between two small cookies.
🧂 Savory Mini Bites for Balance
Afternoon tea isn't just sweet — a few savory pastries make your spread feel complete.
- 3-Ingredient Flatbread Recipe
Roll thin, spread with herb cream cheese, roll up, chill, then slice into pinwheels. - Cheese & Herb Pinwheels Recipe
Cut into 1-inch strips, twist, and bake for savory swirls.
☕ Tea Pairings for Every Mini Pastry
Wondering which tea to serve with your bakes? Here are our favorite pairings:
- Coconut Macaroons pair beautifully with Earl Grey or Jasmine tea
- Chocolate Chip Bars go best with Assam or a spiced Chai
- Almond Tartlets are lovely with Chamomile or refreshing Mint tea
- Almond Paste Pinwheels complement a strong English Breakfast tea
- Cream Cheese Sandwiches shine alongside delicate White Tea or Rooibos
🎀 How to Style Your Afternoon Tea Like a Pro
- Use a tiered serving tray: mini cakes on top, cookies and bars in the middle, savory on the bottom.
- Add edible flowers, fresh mint sprigs, or sugared berries for pops of color.
- Serve tea in mismatched vintage cups or floral-patterned china.
- Include extras like clotted cream, fruit preserves, and honey dippers for charm and flavor.
❄️ Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
- Cookies & Bars: Can be made 2–3 days ahead. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Flatbreads: Best made 1–2 days ahead. For longer storage, freeze before slicing.
- Tart Shells: Last up to 5 days if unfilled. You can freeze the shells alone for later use.
- Frosting: Keeps for 5–7 days in the fridge. It also freezes well in a piping bag.
✅ Conclusion: Small Bites, Big Impression
With just a few simple recipes from the What’s Baking collection, you can build a luxurious afternoon tea experience at home. These mini pastries are beautiful to serve, delightful to eat, and easy to make ahead — whether you're hosting a party or just treating yourself.
📍 Pin this post, print the recipes, or share with a friend who loves tea time.
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