Delightfully buttery and irresistibly tender, Tea Dainties are delicate shortbread-style cookies that pair perfectly with your favorite cup of tea. Made with a simple yet luxurious blend of unsalted butter, vanilla, and a hint of cornstarch for melt-in-your-mouth softness, these cookies are finished with a smooth, customizable glaze. Whether drizzled or dipped, the glaze—enhanced with a touch of lemon juice for zestiness—creates the perfect canvas for festive sprinkles or edible decorations, making these treats as beautiful as they are delicious. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe yields 24 perfectly portioned cookies, ideal for afternoon tea parties, holiday gatherings, or an elegant homemade gift.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press down on each ball with the tines of a fork to slightly flatten and create decorative lines.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Avoid overbaking.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and optional lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies or dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze for a more even coating.
If desired, top the glaze with sprinkles or edible decorations while it is still wet.
Allow the glaze to set for at least 20 minutes before serving. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Calories |
3589 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.4 g | 254% | |
| Saturated Fat | 114.6 g | 573% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 504 mg | 168% | |
| Sodium | 1234 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 445.2 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 225.1 g | ||
| Protein | 28.6 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 389 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.