How to Serve Ice Cream at a Dinner Party

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Serving ice cream at a dinner party can be a fun and exciting dessert to serve your guests. Dinner parties are typically fancy, formal, and people expect something more than the norm.

To impress your guests, there are a few ways to serve ice cream for your dinner party.

chocolate ice cream in a silicone mold with caramel and oreo crumbs

How to Serve Ice Cream Buffet Style for a Dinner Party

Serving ice cream buffet style is all in the preparation. You need to have a few small bowls for toppings for your ice cream. Select 4-5 toppings for your dinner party. Prepare your toppings in your small bowls before your guests arrive. Pick 1-3 flavors of ice cream for a bit of variety. Let your guests make their own buffet style ice cream.

25 Toppings for ice cream:

  • Oreo crumbs
  • sprinkles
  • caramel sauce
  • chocolate sauce
  • strawberry sauce
  • bananas
  • mango
  • kiwis
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • blackberries
  • apples
  • pecans
  • Rolos
  • chocolate chips
  • peanut butter cups
  • whipped cream
  • pretzels
  • marshmallows
  • salted caramel sauce
  • toffee bits
  • hot fudge
  • slivered almonds
  • mint chocolate chips
  • brownie pieces

How to Serve Layered Ice Cream for a Dinner Party

Making a layered ice cream for a dinner party should be prepared 1 day in advance to have the ice cream freeze well before serving.

You’ll need:

  • as many small half sphere silicone molds as guests coming to your party
  • 3 types of ice cream that go well together, or 2 types of ice cream + chocolate ganache that has been frozen
  • 1-3 toppings for the ice cream

Decide if you want to do 3 layers of ice cream, or 2 layers of ice cream and 1 inner layer of chocolate ganache. You could make dark chocolate ganache, milk chocolate ganache or white chocolate ganache as your center filling. This should be made the day before you’re preparing your molds, and then frozen so you’re ready to fill your silicone molds the following day.

Begin by selecting the ice cream for your outer layer. Your outer layer will be the one that will have your toppings on it.

how to put ice cream in silicone mold for dessert

Place your ice cream in the silicone mold. Use a metal spoon to press the ice cream around so that all of the sides are covered in ice cream. Try to make it a 1/2 cm in thickness. Place each silicone mold in the freezer in an airtight container as you complete them. They will start to melt very quickly and it will be messy.

Freeze for 30 min – 1 hour. Then you’re ready for your next layer. Select your inner layer of ice cream. Use a fresh metal spoon to put the ice cream in the molds. Press the ice cream into the first layer so it’s completely covered. The thickness isn’t as important for this one, just make sure you leave a bit of space for the center flavor.

Freeze for 30 min – 1 hour. Now you’re ready for your final layer. Use a melon baller or a fresh spoon to scoop your center layer of ice cream or ganache. Chocolate ganache is typically very hard when it comes right out of the freezer, so it’s best if you thaw it out for 5-8 min before trying to scoop it. Press your final layer into your silicone mold. It doesn’t have to be flat by any means, just make sure it’s filled and pressed into your second layer.

Freeze your silicone mold dessert overnight.

how to make desserts in silicone molds

When you’re ready to serve your ice cream for your dinner party, first remove the silicone mold from your ice cream. Use your fingers on either side of the silicone mold to peel the outer silicone mold off of the ice cream, with your thumb on the top of the mold pushing the ice cream out. Try to take them out and place them directly onto your serving plate.

Once you have all of your desserts on their serving plates, you can top your ice cream. Use 1-2 toppings for your layered ice cream dessert.

Tartufo made with silicone mold chocolate ice cream at home
Tartufo made with silicone mold

Creating this layered ice cream dessert is called a “Tartufo”.

What is a Tartufo?

A tartufo is an Italian dessert made of 2 or more ice cream flavors. The center is usually fruit filled – raspberry, strawberry or cherry. It’s topped with chocolate, cocoa powder, cinnamon or nuts traditionally.

This is one of the most impressive desserts to serve at a dinner party. It’s fairly simple, but it is time consuming layering the ice cream. Your guests will love pressing their spoon into their dessert and seeing the layers.

How to Serve Ice Cream at a Dinner Party

How to Bake Perfect Sugar Cookies

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Jump to Recipe

Baking perfect sugar cookies is something that takes awhile to perfect. The key to baking perfect sugar cookies is:

  • rolling out your dough with no imperfections or cracks
  • chilling your dough – this will make it very easy to use cookie cutters, so your dough will keep it’s shape
  • baking your cookies until they just start turning light brown on the very edges. Do not overbake or they will be too brown and taste overdone
  • cooling your cookies fully before decorating
how to bake perfect sugar cookies
how to bake perfect sugar cookies

What is the difference between royal icing and regular icing?

Royal icing uses egg whites and icing sugar. This creates a stiff icing. You can thin it out a little using a tiny bit of water. After you have colored your icings, you can flood your cookies using the thin icing. Next, you can decorate your cookies once your flooded icing is dry. Use your stiffer icing and create designs on your cookies. Royal icing is different than regular icing in that it will set and become dry. This makes your cookies stackable, and will not be smudged once they are dry. Regular icing is usually buttercream icing. It is made using butter/shortening, vanilla, milk, and icing sugar. It has a bit of a different makeup, so it tastes a bit sweeter than royal icing. Regular icing is different than royal icing in that it will not dry. It remains a wet icing. But, it’s very easy to decorate using piping tips and will create beautiful designs. It’s a sweeter icing that some people prefer over royal icing.

chewy sugar cookies with frosting

How do you make cookies with royal icing?

Make cookies with royal icing by first preparing your cookies. You’ll want to bake sugar cookies, as they are able to be decorated easily, and you can cut them into different shapes. Let the cookies cool ~20 min. Floor your cookies first, then let them dry for a few hours, or overnight. Then continue decorating your cookies using different colored icing. Once your cookies are fully decorated, let them dry for a couple of hours. Then you can stack them nicely in an airtight container. They will stay good for about 5 days at room temperature, or up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

how to decorate sugar cookies with sprinkles

How do you get good at decorating cookies?

You get good at decorating cookies by practicing your piping skills. Once you’ve made royal icing and have mastered how to flood your cookie, start experimenting with different piping tips. Watch videos to perfect your technique. Try making a goal for yourself to master 1 tip for every batch of cookies. You’ll get the hang of it in no time!

how to flood sugar cookies

How do you decorate cookies after baking?

Decorate cookies after baking by letting them cool to room temperature. Prepare your icing during this time by making either buttercream icing, or royal icing. Color your icing using gel coloring or liquid food coloring. Once your cookies are cooled, you can start decorating them. If you’re using buttercream icing, you’re ready to start piping your designs onto your cookie. Add your sprinkles/adornments at the end of decorating. If you’re using royal icing, flood your cookie first, add any adornments/sprinkles then let it dry. Finish decorating your cookie using different colors and designs. Let them fully dry before stacking them together. Store in an airtight container. Buttercream iced cookies should be eaten within a few days. Royal iced cookies can be stored for up to 5 days at room temperature.

sugar cookies that hold their shape

What is the easiest way to decorate cookies?

The easiest way to decorate cookies is by putting sprinkles on the cookies right after they come out of the oven. As the cookies cool, the sprinkles will adhere to the cookie. Alternatively, you can flood your cookie with royal icing, then add sprinkles right after you’ve flooded it. Let the cookie dry and they’re ready to be packed away for safe keeping.

How do you ice sugar cookies for beginners?

We recommend making buttercream icing for beginners. Icing sugar cookies as a beginner is a steep learning curve. If you get frustrated, you can easily use a knife to put the icing on the cookie. Start by learning how to use piping tips by watching videos. Try out 2-3 tips to see if you can improve your skills. Once you get better at piping buttercream, you can learn how to decorate cookies using royal icing. It will be another learning curve when you use royal icing. From learning how thin to make your icing for flooding, to having colors blend together if they’re piped too quickly, you’ll take awhile to feel comfortable decorating sugar cookies.

How to Bake Perfect Sugar Cookies

Step by step guide how to bake perfect sugar cookies
Prep Time3 hours 30 minutes
Active Time36 minutes
Total Time4 hours 6 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: cookies
Yield: 30 cookies

Materials

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar granulated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Cream butter and sugar together using a stand mixer on high speed for a couple of minutes until fluffy.
  • Add the egg to your mixture and cream together for 30 seconds. Add vanilla and mix again until fully combined. Scrape the slides of the bowl using a spatula to have the mixture fully homogenized.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt and mix together.
  • Slowly add your dry ingredient bowl to your creamed mixture. Have your mixer on low speed when you're combining them together.
  • Check your dough to see how it feels. If it's sticking to your hands add a bit more flour to the dough – 1 tbsp.
  • Separate your dough in half. Roll out your dough by flouring the surface of a silicone mat. Flour your rolling pin lightly. Place your dough on top of the floured silicone mat and roll it to 1/4" thickness. Make sure there are no imperfections on the top of your dough. Roll it out so it looks even, with no cracks through it. Repeat with the other dough half.
  • Place plastic wrap on top of the dough and put in the fridge for 1-2 hours. You can keep the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
  • Remove the dough from the fridge and use cookie cutters to cut the dough into cookies. Once you've used your dough to create your first batch of cookies, reroll the dough out to use up the remaining dough to make more cookies. Place the cookies on an aluminum baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. No greasing needed.
  • Bake cookies for 11-12 min at 350°F. Your cookies will be finished baking when the edges start turning light brown. Do not overbake. The whole cookie will turn brown if they are overdone. Let the cookies cool for a few min on the baking sheet. Then transfer the cookies to finish cooling on a wire rack ~20 min.
  • Decorate your cookies using royal icing or buttercream icing.

Sandwich Platter Ideas for a Party

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You can make mouthwatering, chef worthy sandwich platters for your next party.

Preparing sandwiches for a party should be done in the morning on the day of the party, so that they can stay as fresh as possible. The bread will become soggy if sandwiches are prepared the day before.

You can pick 3-4 different types of sandwiches so you’ll have a variety for guests to choose from.

It’s best to prepare 1 sandwich per person attending your party.

Each sandwich you prepare can be cut into 4 triangles, 3 rectangles, or 2 circles so they are individually portioned and small in size.

Using a variety of types of bread will give your guests an eye-catching sandwich platter. Try using mini buns, crostini’s, open faced sandwiches, or different types of bread together.

Sandwiches can be prepared on sour dough, French bread, croissants, pumpernickel, multigrain, whole wheat, rye, or white bread.

Sandwich Platter Ideas for a Party

Ham and Cheese

Ham and cheese sandwiches are creamy sandwiches with a hint of tart mustard.

You can make ham and cheese sandwiches by spreading mayo on one slice of bread, and whole grain mustard on the other slice of bread.

Layer Swiss cheese, and black forest ham on top of the whole grain mustard.

You can add sprouts, arugula, or slices of pickles to the sandwich if desired. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.

  • Swiss cheese
  • black forest ham
  • sprouts
  • arugula
  • pickle slices
  • whole grain mustard
  • mayo
ham and cheese sandwich platter

Cucumber and Cream Cheese

Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are refreshing sandwiches with a hint of dill and cream cheese.

Softened cream cheese is beat together using a hand mixer with mayo, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, chives, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Each side of bread is coated in herbed cream cheese, and then slices of cucumber are placed on top.

  • herbed cream cheese
  • cucumber slices
cucumber sandwich platter

Pesto Mozzarella

Pesto mozzarella sandwiches are caprese sandwiches with a few added veggies.

You can use fresh mozzarella for this creamy sandwich, and fresh pesto spread on each side of bread to make this delicious sandwich.

Arugula is added to pesto mozzarella sandwiches for an earthy toned sandwich.

Pesto mozzarella sandwiches are best served on focaccia bread.

  • zucchini slices
  • red pepper
  • red onions
  • tomatoes
  • mozzarella
  • arugula
  • pesto 

Egg Salad

Egg salad sandwiches are filling tea sandwiches with a lovely creamy egg filling.

Eggs are hard boiled, cooled, and shelled. Hard boiled eggs can be cut into small cubes and then placed in a bowl.

Eggs are mixed together with a bit of mayo, mustard (whole grain or Dijon), salt and pepper to make the filling.

Cut the bread using a cookie cutter into circles if desired, or into rectangles or triangles.

Spread filling on one side of bread, then top with the other piece of bread.

Place a toothpick in the center of the sandwich to hold it together. Garnish with a sprig of parsley.

  • hardboiled eggs
  • mayo
  • whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper
sandwich platter recipe ideas

Apple and Brie

Apple and brie sandwiches are a rich and creamy sandwich with a hint of sweet fig jam and a little garlic finish to it.

Basil leaves and spinach add a bit of greenery and earthy flavors to the creamy brie sandwich.

Apple and brie sandwiches are best served on ciabatta bread.

  • brie
  • apple slices
  • fig jam
  • spinach
  • basil leaves
  • garlic mayo

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwiches are creamy herbed chicken sandwiches with a nutty finish.

Chicken salad sandwiches are made by mixing together mayo, sour cream, parsley, green onions, tarragon, fresh dill weed, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder and salt and pepper.

Chicken salad is spread onto the bread in a thick layer, along with a few cucumber slices.

Cubed chicken, raisins, and toasted sliced almonds are mixed into sour cream mixture to full coat the chicken to made the chicken salad base.

Another slice of bread is placed on top, and a toothpick is placed into the center of the sandwich to hold it together.

Assemble the sandwich by spreading a thin layer of herbed cream cheese on one slice of bread, and top with smoked salmon, red onions, alfalfa sprouts, fresh dill weed, capers, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

  • chicken
  • cucumber
  • raisins
  • toasted sliced almonds
  • mayo
  • sour cream
  • parsley
  • green onions
  • tarragon
  • fresh dill weed
  • fresh lemon juice
  • garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
chicken salad sandwich platter

Avocado and Cucumber

Avocado sandwiches can be served with garlic mayo, hummus, or balsamic reduction.

You can add a few greens such as red leaf lettuce or sprouts to your avocado sandwich.

  • garlic mayo or hummus
  • lettuce
  • sprouts
  • feta
  • cilantro
  • balsamic reduction
avocado cucumber sandwich platter

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad sandwiches are a favorite sandwich for many with its creamy and crunchy texture.

Tuna salad sandwiches are made by mixing together mayo, Dijon mustard, green relish, fresh lemon juice and pepper.

Add drained tuna and chopped celery to the mayo base and mix well.

Spread tuna salad on top of one slice and bread, and add the other piece of bread on top.

  • drained tuna
  • mayo
  • Dijon mustard
  • green relish
  • lemon juice
  • pepper
  • chopped celery

Jalapeno Havarti and Sundried Tomato

Jalapeno Havarti cheese sandwiches are spicy sandwiches made with chipotle mayo to give it a bit of a kick.

You can even add a few slices of pickled jalapenos in your sandwich if desired.

Jalapeno Havarti and sundried tomato sandwiches are best served on sourdough bread.

  • jalapeno Havarti
  • sundried tomatoes (julienned)
  • dill pickles (sliced thin)
  • sprouts
  • avocado slices
  • red onions
  • garlic mayo or chipotle mayo
sandwich platter ideas for party

Strawberry, Basil and Cream Cheese

Strawberry sandwiches have a light fruity flavor to them with a bit of earthy tones from the basil leaves.

Strawberry sandwiches are typically made on white bread.

Strawberry jam is spread over one slice of bread, and softened cream cheese is spread on the other side.

Strawberry slices are layered on top of the cream cheese slice of bread, along with a few fresh basil leaves.

The other slice of bread is placed on top, and is ready to serve.

You can use a cookie cutter to cut a heart out of one slice of bread, and have a strawberry poking through the window for an extra special treat for guests.

  • strawberry slices
  • basil leaves
  • cream cheese
  • strawberry jam
strawberry sandwich platter

Mediterranean

Mediterranean sandwiches are filled with savory tzatziki sauce and feta cheese.

Mediterranean sandwiches are filled with juicy tomato and cucumber.

Feta and tzatziki sandwiches are best prepared on focaccia bread.

  • feta
  • tomato
  • lettuce
  • cucumber slices
  • red onions
  • tzatziki sauce
sandwich platter recipes for party

Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, and Capers

Smoked salmon sandwiches are creamy with a hint of smoke flavor with invigorating salmon.

Softened cream cheese is mixed together with minced garlic and fresh dill weed.

Add the other slice of bread on top, and place a toothpick in the center to hold it together.

  • smoked salmon
  • alfalfa sprouts
  • red onions
  • fresh dill weed
  • capers
  • herbed cream cheese
  • salt and pepper
smoked salmon sandwich platter

Horseradish and Roast Beef

Horseradish and roast beef sandwiches have a little bit of a bite to them, with creamy finish.

Roast beef sandwiches are made by spreading a thin layer of mayo on one side of the bread, and horseradish on the other slice of bread.

Cold thinly sliced roast beef placed on top of the horseradish, along with Swiss cheese, watercress, and tomato slices.

Place the other piece of bread on top and a toothpick in the center of the sandwich to hold it together.

  • Swiss cheese
  • roast beef
  • horseradish
  • mayo
  • watercress
  • tomato slices
roast beef sandwich platter

How to make a sandwich platter

  1. Select a large platter for your sandwiches.
  2. Cut all the crusts off of a loaf of bread.
  3. Prepare sandwiches – layer your condiments, vegetables, cheese and meats.
  4. Arrange sandwiches on the platter.
  5. Add a garnish to the sandwich platter.
  6. Serve immediately.

How to display sandwiches on a platter

Display sandwiches on a platter by arranging them:

  • side by side
  • in a spiral
  • triangle sandwiches faced with the base on the bottom, and the corner triangle face up

How to decorate a sandwich plate

Decorate a sandwich plate by placing a garnish on the plate:

  • sliced strawberry
  • piece of mint plant
  • mandarin orange slices
  • sliced apples – 3 pieces arranged as “steps”
  • a couple of raspberries

Sandwich presentation ideas

Sandwiches can be presented on a 3 tier platter for an added visual effect.

sandwich presentation ideas

How to Use Focaccia Bread

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Focaccia bread can be used in a variety of ways including as an appetizer for dipping, as sandwich bread, and as a base for bruschetta.

If you’ve never homemade your own focaccia bread at home, try out our Easy Herb Focaccia Bread Recipe.

how to use focaccia bread

What’s the best way to serve focaccia bread

The best way to serve focaccia bread is by serving it with olive oil and balsamic reduction.

best way to serve focaccia bread

Appetizer

  1. Slice focaccia bread widthwise making it about 2 cm in thickness for each slice using a serrated knife.
  2. Arrange the sliced focaccia bread on a serving plate.
  3. Take a large dinner plate or serving plate and place a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil on it, so it covers the plate.
  4. Add balsamic reduction to the olive oil sparingly. Do not mix.
  5. Serve the sliced focaccia bread by dipping the bread in the olive oil and balsamic reduction mixture.
  6. Enjoy!
how to use focaccia bread as an appetizer

Sandwich

  1. Slice focaccia bread 1-2 cm in thickness using a serrated knife.
  2. Toast focaccia bread for 2 min.
  3. Remove focaccia bread from the toaster and add your condiments to each side of the bread.
  4. Add in your meat, cheese, and vegetables.
  5. Serve your focaccia bread sandwich with a toothpick pierced all the way through the sandwich so it stays together for you.
  6. Enjoy!

Bruschetta

  1. Dice 1 tomato into small cubes.
  2. Add a tablespoon of diced onion. Be sure to make them very small.
  3. Add 3-4 tablespoons of freshly made pesto.
  4. Mix together the tomato, onion and pesto until it’s all combined.
  5. Slice focaccia bread using a serrated knife into pieces that are ~1 cm in thickness.
  6. Cut the focaccia bread in half so it’s in more of a serving size piece.
  7. Top the focaccia bread with the tomato mixture.
  8. Add a pinch of freshly grated parmesan cheese to the top of the tomato mixture.
  9. Toast bruschetta for 2 min.
  10. Place bruschetta on a serving plate.
  11. Add a touch of balsamic reduction to the bruschetta.
  12. Enjoy!

Using balsamic reduction for your appetizers is preferred over balsamic vinegar.

Balsamic reduction is more of a sweet and savory flavor, and has a thick viscosity to it, whereas balsamic vinegar is a bit harsh to eat on it’s own due to it’s acidity.

Balsamic vinegar is typically used in combination with other ingredients to bring down it’s harshness.

By using balsamic reduction you can use it as a garnish, dipping sauce, glaze, or salad dressing, due to it’s ease of taste. You can get a ton of different flavors including garlic, strawberry, peach, fig, raspberry, pomegranate, pear, etc.

what to pair focaccia bread with

13 Dishes that go well with Focaccia Bread

  • fresh cut up vegetables
  • crab dip
  • shrimp dip
  • hummus
  • baked brie
  • taco bites
  • charcuterie board
  • guacamole
  • deviled eggs
  • spinach dip
  • stuffed mushrooms
  • pinwheels
  • cheeseball
herb focaccia bread

16 High Tea Cookies to Bake for Afternoon Tea

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High tea cookies are small, with a hint of citrus, herb, spiced or buttery flavors.

High tea cookies are light, crumbly, and melt in your mouth when you eat them alongside your hot tea.

how to serve afternoon tea

What high tea cookies can you make for afternoon tea

  • macadamia nut white chocolate chip cookies
  • lemon shortbread
  • plain shortbread
  • lavender shortbread
  • earl grey shortbread
  • chai shortbread
  • cranberry orange almond shortbread
  • chocolate dipped shortbread
  • orange slice tea cookies
  • macarons
  • raspberry almond thumbprint cookies
  • sugar cookies
  • madeleines
  • oatmeal raisin cookies
  • peanut butter cookies
  • matcha cookies

How many different types of cookies should you bake for high tea

You only need 1-2 different types of cookies for high tea.

Depending on how many how many desserts your preparing, you can easily go with just 1 type of cookie.

Usually there is an array of desserts including 4-5 different types of desserts included in afternoon tea.

Cookies are only 1 of the desserts that you could serve for afternoon tea.

What other sweets are served with afternoon tea

Some other sweets that are served with afternoon tea are breads, muffins, crumpets, scones, pastries, bars, and cakes.

high tea cookies to bake for afternoon tea

Where are high tea cookies placed on the serving platter

High tea cookies are placed on the top tier of a 3 tier serving platter. They are included in the sweets part of the high tea. The sweets portion of high tea is usually eaten last in high tea.

What should you wear when going for high tea

High tea in North America is semi-formal. Wear something nice, but not overdone. Consider wearing a long casual dress, dress pants, blouse, heels, boots, flats, or sandles.

How to host a high tea party

  1. Set a date and send out your invites.
  2. Gather china plates, tea cups, saucers, tea pots (several depending on number of teas you plan on serving), linen – tablecloth and napkins, serving platters – 3 tiers.
  3. Decide on your menu.
  4. Bake cookies, scones, breads, crumpets, cakes, etc. the day before your party.
  5. Set your tables with tablecloths, napkins, side plates, salt and pepper shakers.
  6. Create your sandwiches as close to the serving time as possible. Place in the refrigerator with cling wrap over them until you’re ready to serve them.
  7. Boil the kettle or hot water right before your guests come over.
  8. Place cream and sugar out for your guests.
  9. Place all of the sandwiches on the bottom tier of your serving platter. Next, place breads, crumpets and scones on the second tier. Put your tea time sweets on the top tier.
  10. Make tea for your guests.
  11. Enjoy!

High tea cookies are a delight for your guests.

They should be made a bit on the smaller side so they are bite sized.

You don’t want to bake too big of cookies, otherwise they won’t fit on your platter.

Typically high tea cookies are small enough just to have a taste.

You don’t want your guests becoming too full on anything because there is an array of baked goods to eat.

37 Tea Time Sweets to Serve for Afternoon Tea

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Afternoon tea is a special occasion filled with enticing sweets and treats.

Tea scones, clotted cream, and jam are one of the most classic treats served with afternoon tea.

Usually there will be small cookies, brownies, cakes to choose from.

how to serve afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea Time Sweets

You’ll want to select at least 3-4 different types of sweets for your afternoon tea.

Try picking one scone, one cake, one cookie, and one bar to serve. This will give your guests a variety to choose from.

  • lemon bars
  • chocolate mousse
  • raspberry mousse
  • lemon loaf
  • carrot cake
  • pumpkin loaf
  • vanilla scones
  • pumpkin scones
  • lavender scones
  • scones with clotted cream and jam
  • brownies
  • shortbread
  • butter tarts
  • raspberry tarts
  • strawberry tarts
  • lemon curd tarts
  • mini cinnamon buns
  • mini cupcakes
  • Nanaimo bars
  • mini muffins
  • peanut butter cookies
  • beignets
  • madeleines
  • raspberry jelly filled cookies
  • macarons
  • mini vanilla custard stuffed croissants
  • mini Danishes
  • mini croissants
  • mini pain au chocolat
  • gingersnaps
  • raisin oatmeal cookies
  • rhubarb bars
  • mini eclairs
  • peanut butter cups
  • cheesecake
  • chocolate cake
  • vanilla cake
  • chocolate covered strawberries

Begin eating with the finger sandwiches, and pinwheels first on the bottom tier of your platter. You can drink your tea at any time when it’s brewed to your strength and liking.

tea time sweets for afternoon tea

How to serve afternoon tea

Serve your afternoon tea foods on a 3 tier platter. Your tea time sweets will go on the very top tier of the platter. Scones and breads will go on the second tier. Finally, tea time sandwiches will go on the bottom tier.

Serve your tea in an elegant tea pot with specialty tea cups if you have them. Typically tea cups will have a cup and saucer for the tea cup to sit on. Don’t forget to put out cream and sugar for your guests tea.

For your guests, have some china plates for them to eat off of. If you don’t have any, try a small side plate to catch any crumbs for your guest. You can include some salt and pepper shakers as well, just in case your guests need them.

How to eat afternoon tea

Next, eat the second tier. The second tier will be composed of scones, crumpets, and breads.

The final tier to eat will be the tea time sweets. The tea time sweets will consist of pastries, tarts, cookies, cakes, bars.

What do British people eat with their tea

Tea time is favorite tradition for British families. Afternoon tea is a staple in most English households. British people eat crumpets, scones, pastries, cakes, biscuits and finger sandwiches with their tea.

What is the history of high tea

The concept of afternoon tea was introduced back in the 1840’s when the Duchess of Bedford requested tea, bread, butter and cake usually around 9 pm.

After the Duchess introduced its concept, it became much more popular among the wealthy when they could display their best china and linen for their tea time.

More recently, it has become a specialty occasion for people in North America to go for high tea.

tea time sweets

Pain au Chocolat Ingredients List

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  • unsalted butter
  • all-purpose flour
  • granulated sugar
  • salt
  • active dry or instant yeast
  • whole milk
  • semi-sweet chocolate
  • confectioners sugar (dusting the top)
  • egg (egg wash)
pain au chocolat ingredients list

What is the translation for pain au chocolat?

Pain au chocolat translated means bread of chocolate or chocolate bread.

pain au chocolat ingredients

Can you freeze Pain au Chocolat?

Before baking your pain au chocolat, you can prep them by rolling them out, adding chocolate, and rolling them up. Let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Now you can freeze your pain au chocolat. They will freeze well for up to 1 month. You can have your pain au chocolat frozen, and unthaw them when needed. Place your frozen pain au chocolat in the fridge to thaw. Once they are fully thawed, you’re ready to egg wash them and bake in the oven. Alternatively, you can freeze the croissant dough, and then unfreeze your dough and continue making your pain au chocolat.

pain au chocolat frozen

How to make chocolate croissants with Nutella?

Chocolate croissants are made with croissant dough and semi-sweet chocolate for the center filling typically. You can use Nutella as a filling, but don’t be too heavy on the filling. If you overfill them, you’ll have a huge mess to clean on your baking pan.

  1. Use Puff pastry, frozen croissant dough, or fresh croissant dough.
  2. Roll out your dough until it’s about 1/2 cm in thickness.
  3. Cut into pieces that are 2” x 5” rectangles.
  4. Roll your pieces a bit thinner to stretch out the dough a bit more to lengthen it.
  5. Fill one 2” edge of the dough with a heaping spoon of Nutella.
  6. Roll the dough gently and place on a baking sheet with the seam down.
  7. Let your chocolate croissant rise for 1 hour at room temperature.
  8. Let your chocolate croissant rise for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  9. Mix together 1 egg and a couple of tablespoons of milk.
  10. Brush the egg mixture onto your pain au chocolat
  11. Bake in the oven for your required time.
  12. Remove once fully cooked and place them on a wire rack to cool.
  13. Dust lightly with powdered sugar using a sifter.
how to dust powdered sugar onto pain au chocolat

Pain au Chocolat vs Croissant

Pain au Chocolat is the chocolate version of the croissant. Croissant dough uses butter to laminate the dough and have 81 layers of butter in total. Using croissant dough, the dough is rolled out until about 1/2 cm thick. Once it’s all rolled out, it’s cut into rectangular pieces. Then, it’s thinned and stretched a bit. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate pieces are added to the narrow end of the rectangle. The rectangle is rolled up, given an egg wash, and baked.

What Goes with Croissants for Breakfast

Pain au Chocolat vs Chocolatine

Pain au chocolat is actually the same as a chocolatine. Depending on which area you are in France, they will call the dessert a Pain au chocolat, or a chocolatine.

Things to Do with Leftover Croissants

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There are countless things you can do with leftover croissants. Homemade filled croissants are one of the most satisfying meals you can make right in your own kitchen.

You can put just about anything on a croissant that you would when using your regular bread.

You can make breakfast croissants, French toast, sandwiches, and dessert croissants with leftover croissants.

Things to Do with Leftover Croissants

How to fill croissants

  1. Cut the croissant in half using a serrated knife.
  2. Toast or warm your croissants.
  3. Using a knife, spread your condiment of choice on the croissant.
  4. Fill the croissant with meat, cheese, and vegetables or fruit.
  5. Serve immediately.

If you’re wanting to make a meal for breakfast consider filling the croissants as a brunch croissant.

20 Breakfast Croissant Filling Ideas

  • Cream cheese and fruit
  • Butter
  • Cinnamon and sugar
  • Mayo/hot sauce/butter, cheese, sausage, and scrambled eggs
  • Mayo/hot sauce/butter, cheese, sausage, bacon and scrambled eggs
  • Mayo/hot sauce/butter, cheese, bacon and scrambled eggs
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Bacon and ketchup
  • Sausage and ketchup
  • Omelette and hot sauce
  • Omelette and ketchup
  • Mayo/hot sauce/butter, cheese, ham and scrambled eggs
  • Mayo/hot sauce/butter, cheese, sausage, ham and scrambled eggs
  • Scrambled eggs and cheese
  • Whipped cream and fruit
  • Whipped cream and syrup
  • Jam
  • Hazelnut spread
  • Peanut butter
  • Almond butter

How to make French toast with croissants

  1. Heat a frying pan up to medium heat.
  2. Mix together 1 egg and 2 tbsp of milk in a flat bowl you can easily dip your croissants in.
  3. Add a dash of cinnamon to your egg mixture, do not mix.
  4. Cut the croissants in half with a serrated knife.
  5. Dip the cut side of the croissant in the egg mixture.
  6. Place in the frying pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until the eggs are cooked onto the croissant creating a brown-golden color.
  7. Remove croissants from the frying pan.
  8. Serve immediately with whipped cream, syrup, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce or fruit. 

Cold Croissant Sandwich Recipe Ideas

Croissant sandwiches should be right before serving to keep them as fresh as possible. Cold croissant sandwiches will keep in the fridge for a few hours, but prepare them as close to serving as possible.  

Croissant Fillings for Lunch

Condiments to Fill Croissants with:

  • Chipotle mayo
  • Mayonnaise
  • Mustard
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey mustard
  • Hot sauce
  • Bbq sauce
  • Pizza sauce
  • Garlic mayonnaise
  • Herbed cream cheese
  • Plain cream cheese
  • Strawberry cream cheese
  • Hummus
  • Italian Dressing

Meat Croissant Fillings:

  • Turkey
  • Chicken
  • Ham
  • Roast beef
  • Bacon
  • Smoked salmon
  • Tuna
  • Pepperoni
  • Salami
  • Pulled pork
  • Egg salad
  • Crab
  • Shrimp

Cheese Croissant Fillings:

  • Havarti
  • Cheddar
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Gouda
  • Brie
  • Camembert
  • Feta

Vegetable Croissant Fillings:

  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Arugula
  • Green peppers
  • Banana peppers
  • Kale
  • Shredded cabbage/Coleslaw
  • Red onions
  • Dill Pickles
  • Sliced Pineapple
  • Sliced Apples

Vegetarian Croissant Fillings

  • Avocado
  • Hummus
  • Pickles
  • Kale
  • Sliced apples
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Arugula
  • Havarti
  • Cheddar
  • Brie
  • Camembert
  • Gouda
  • Feta
  • Mozzarella
  • Tofu
vegetarian cold croissant sandwich filling ideas

What can you serve with croissant sandwiches

  • Chips
  • Fries
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Green Salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Caesar Salad
  • Cut up vegetables
  • Fruit
What can you serve with croissant sandwiches Caesar salad
Things to Do with Leftover Croissants

How to Make Stuffed Croissants for Dessert

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Making stuffed croissants for dessert is a decadent way to finish off a delicious meal. Stuffed croissants need to be made right before serving. You won’t want to pre-make this ahead of time, otherwise the croissants will become soft and and soggy.

You have 2 options on how you can serve your dessert stuffed croissants.

  1. Serve croissants for your guests to fill them.
  2. Serve croissants filled by you.

If you’re having your guests fill their own croissants, you might want to have an array of items for them to choose from. You can make the accompaniments beforehand in small dishes for them to pick and choose.

15 Foods To Stuff Croissants for Dessert with:

  • Whipped cream 
  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Apricots
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Strawberry sauce
  • Blueberry sauce
  • Bananas
  • Ice cream
  • Cinnamon and sugar
  • Hazelnut spread
  • Cream cheese & Fruit

If you’re wanting to fill the croissants yourself, choose only 1 or 2 of the above list and fill them right before serving. Try to top the croissants with a tiny bit of sauce as well, if you’re using sauce. This will give the croissants a elegant and divine look to them.

How to Make Stuffed Croissants for Dessert

What Goes with Croissants for Breakfast

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Croissants are a delicious breakfast item to serve for brunch. Croissants can be quite filling, therefore you’ll want to have a balance of lighter items to go with croissants for breakfast.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit offers a balance of refreshing, juicy pieces of fruit which goes well with croissants for breakfast. You can stick to a couple of fresh berries, or cut up a variety of fruit for a fruit platter.

  • cantaloupe
  • pineapple
  • apples
  • strawberries
  • blueberries

Yogurt

Yogurt is a light accompaniment to go with croissants. Vanilla yogurt is a favorite flavor that will go over well for breakfast.

Eggs

Eggs are full of protein. You can make them in a many different ways, and they add a selection to a brunch. Typically for brunch, scrambled eggs are your best choice. Scrambled eggs can be served with hot sauce, or ketchup.

  • scrambled
  • over easy
  • sunny side up

Orange Juice or Apple Juice

Fresh, chilled fruit juice is the perfect choice for a morning breakfast with croissants. Juice is a refreshing beverage in the morning that will be the perfect drink to wash down your filling croissants.

What Goes with Croissants for Breakfast

21 foods you can stuff Croissants with:

  • Whipped cream 
  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Cheese and tomatoes
  • Apricots
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Strawberry sauce
  • Blueberry sauce
  • Bananas
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Cheese
  • Ham
  • Bacon
  • Ice cream
  • Cinnamon and sugar
  • Hazelnut spread
  • Fried egg and smoked salmon
  • Cream cheese
What Goes with Croissants for Breakfast