There’s something magical about the holiday season—twinkling lights, the warmth of loved ones, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air.
This year, the season feels even more enchanting for me. As a woman who just said “yes” to a lifetime of love, the holidays hold a deeper sweetness than ever before.
With my engagement ring sparkling in the glow of the Christmas tree, I’ve found myself savoring every moment, and what better way to celebrate than by pairing the season’s finest treats with the perfect cup of tea?
Tea and cookies have a way of comforting the soul, making them an ideal combination for this festive time of year and an essential part of any Christmas tea party.
In this article, I’m excited to share my favorite pairings that are sure to add an extra touch of joy to your festive celebrations!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies with Earl Grey Tea
The delicate, buttery sweetness of classic sugar cookies pairs seamlessly with the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea.
The subtle hint of bergamot in the tea enhances the simplicity of the cookie, creating an experience that feels elegant and refined.
Why It Works: Earl Grey’s complex flavors balance the understated sweetness of sugar cookies, making it a pairing that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Extra Touch: Serve your Earl Grey with a slice of lemon or a touch of honey to highlight its citrus undertones.
Recommended recipe: Easy Sugar Cookies
Don’t feel like baking? Try these ready-made Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies.
2. Gingerbread Men with Masala Chai
The bold spices of gingerbread—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—mirror the aromatic blend of Masala Chai, creating a pairing that feels as warm and festive as a crackling fire.
Why It Works: The spices in both the cookie and tea create a cohesive flavor profile, amplifying the holiday spirit in every bite and sip.
Extra Touch: Add a splash of milk or a pinch of extra cinnamon to your chai for an extra layer of creaminess and warmth.
Recommended recipes:
3. Peppermint Bark Cookies with Green Tea
The vibrant mint and rich chocolate in peppermint bark cookies are perfectly balanced by the light, refreshing notes of green tea.
This pairing feels crisp and invigorating, a contrast to the richness of many holiday treats.
Why It Works: The freshness of green tea cuts through the sweetness of the cookie, creating a harmonious balance that doesn’t overwhelm your palate.
Extra Touch: Opt for a slightly toasted or roasted green tea, such as hojicha, if you prefer a nuttier, more mellow pairing.
Recommended recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
If you want to make things easy, just buy these delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies.
4. Jam Thumbprint Cookies with Rooibos Tea
These buttery cookies, with their vibrant fruit preserves, find their match in the naturally sweet, nutty flavor of rooibos tea.
The tea’s caffeine-free nature makes it an excellent choice for late-night indulgence.
Why It Works: The fruity acidity of the jam complements rooibos’s rich and earthy undertones, creating a pairing that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.
Extra Touch: For a festive twist, experiment with fillings like cranberry-orange jam or spiced apple preserves to bring seasonal flavors to the forefront.
Recommended recipe: Thumbprint Cookies
You can also buy ready-made Thumbprint Cookies to make things smooth.
5. Shortbread with English Breakfast Tea
Rich, crumbly shortbread and the bold, malty flavor of English Breakfast tea are a classic match. This pairing feels timeless and indulgent, perfect for slow mornings or cozy afternoons.
Why It Works: The tea’s robust flavor cuts through the richness of the shortbread, creating a satisfying balance.
Extra Touch: For an extra-special touch, dip your shortbread in chocolate or sprinkle it with coarse sugar before baking. Pair with a splash of milk in your tea to round out the flavors.
Recommended recipe: Shortbread Cookies
You can also try and buy these delicious Hawaiian Shortbread Cookies.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, as I look forward to a future filled with love, laughter, and new traditions, I’m reminded of the beauty in simple pleasures.
A warm cup of tea, a lovingly baked cookie, and the presence of those we cherish most—these are the ingredients for a truly magical Christmas.
Whether you’re celebrating love, family, or just the beauty of the season, I hope these tea and cookie pairings bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday table.
From my heart to yours, Happy Holidays!