Tea Dainties

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 227 grams Unsalted butter
• 100 grams Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 250 grams All-purpose flour
• 30 grams Cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 120 grams Confectioners' sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons Milk (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (optional, for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Gently press down on each ball with the tines of a fork to slightly flatten and create decorative lines.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Avoid overbaking.

Step 9

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and optional lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 11

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies or dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze for a more even coating.

Step 12

If desired, top the glaze with sprinkles or edible decorations while it is still wet.

Step 13

Allow the glaze to set for at least 20 minutes before serving. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	777.2 grams (777.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3589

Total Fat 198.40g	254%
Saturated Fat 114.60g	573%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 504mg	168%
Sodium 1234mg	54%
Total Carbohydrate 445.20g	162%
Dietary Fiber 7.10g	25%
Total Sugars 225.10g
Protein 28.60g	57%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 123mg	9%
Iron 12mg	66%
Potassium 389mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.5%

Protein: 3.1%

Carbs: 48.4%