Here are five creative holiday recipes incorporating herbal teas for a festive twist:
1. Pumpkin Spice Chai Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with the warm flavors of chai and pumpkin spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp pumpkin spice chai tea
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, chai tea, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
2. Cranberry Apple Muffins with Hibiscus Tea Glaze
Fluffy, fruity muffins with a tangy hibiscus glaze perfect for winter mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or cranberry apple tea)
- 1/2 cup apple, diced
- 1/2 cup brewed hibiscus tea (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk applesauce, oil, and eggs. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir just until combined. Fold in cranberries and apple.
- Spoon batter into muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- For glaze: Mix brewed hibiscus tea and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
3. Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread cookies with a delicate green tea flavor, perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder (plain or vanilla flavored)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, matcha, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool before serving.
4. Peppermint Rooibos Hot Chocolate Cake
A decadent chocolate cake infused with the warmth of rooibos tea and a peppermint twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brewed vanilla rooibos tea (strong)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine brewed rooibos tea, oil, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
- Add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before frosting or serving.
5. Lavender Earl Grey Scones
Flaky scones with a floral lavender aroma and a hint of Earl Grey, ideal for cozy holiday brunches.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Earl Grey loose leaf
- 1 tsp dried lavender leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, tea leaves, and lavender.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla until dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a 1-inch thick round and cut into wedges.
- Place scones on baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Serve warm.
These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifts, incorporating the rich flavors of herbal teas into traditional baked goods! And the no-brainer: They pair beautifully with your favorite cozy cup of tea!
Bon Appetite!