Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These delicate bites feature soft white bread layered with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, butter, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs. Cut into small rounds and carefully rolled in sweetened shredded coconut, they resemble tiny snowballs. Chilled and arranged elegantly, they provide a light and flavorful option for winter gatherings or afternoon tea sessions. Variations include adding parsley or dried cranberries to the coating, and substitutions like whole wheat or gluten-free bread are possible for dietary preferences.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:49:00 GMT
Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, delicate and snow-covered, ready to be enjoyed at a winter tea party. Save
Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, delicate and snow-covered, ready to be enjoyed at a winter tea party. | olivebriar.com

Delicate, fluffy tea sandwiches with a creamy filling, elegantly rolled in shredded coconut to resemble tiny snowballs perfect for winter gatherings or afternoon tea.

I first made these Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites for a holiday party and they disappeared almost instantly.

Ingredients

  • Bread: 10 slices soft white sandwich bread crusts removed
  • Filling: 100 g (3.5 oz) cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tsp fresh dill finely chopped, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • Coating: 75 g (3/4 cup) sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1:
In a bowl combine cream cheese butter mayonnaise chives dill pepper and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 2:
Lay out the bread slices on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice.
Step 3:
Carefully place another slice of bread on top to create 5 sandwiches. Gently press together.
Step 4:
Using a 1.5-inch (4 cm) round cookie cutter cut 4 circles from each sandwich.
Step 5:
Pour the shredded coconut onto a plate.
Step 6:
Very lightly brush the edges of each sandwich bite with a little water or extra cream cheese to help the coconut adhere.
Step 7:
Roll the sides and tops of each sandwich bite in the coconut ensuring a snowball effect.
Step 8:
Arrange on a platter and chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Creamy filling and coconut coating define these whimsical Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, perfect finger food. Pin it
Creamy filling and coconut coating define these whimsical Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, perfect finger food. | olivebriar.com

This recipe brings back fond memories of sharing afternoon tea with family and friends during the holidays.

Notes

For a festive touch mix a little finely chopped parsley or dried cranberries into the coconut.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl Spatula or butter knife 1.5-inch round cookie cutter Small plate

Allergen Information

Contains Gluten (bread) Dairy (cream cheese butter) Egg (mayonnaise check label) For egg or dairy-free versions use appropriate substitutes Always verify ingredient labels.

Fluffy Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites with a creamy cream cheese filling, beautiful for the holidays. Pin it
Fluffy Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites with a creamy cream cheese filling, beautiful for the holidays. | olivebriar.com

Enjoy these delicate bites as a charming addition to your next tea party or holiday celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs enhance the filling flavor?

Fresh chives and dill add a subtle, aromatic touch to the creamy filling, balancing richness with a mild herbal note.

Can I use different bread types?

Yes, whole wheat or gluten-free bread can be substituted to suit dietary needs without compromising texture.

How to achieve the coconut coating effect?

Lightly brushing edges with water or extra cream cheese helps the shredded coconut adhere, creating a soft snowball appearance.

Are there suggestions for variations?

Mixing finely chopped parsley or dried cranberries into the coconut adds a festive touch and extra flavor dimension.

What beverages pair well with these bites?

Herbal or black teas complement the delicate flavors, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites

Fluffy tea bites with creamy herb filling rolled in coconut, perfect for winter or afternoon occasions.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
0
Total Time
20 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Bread

01 10 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed

Filling

01 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
04 1 teaspoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
06 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Coating

01 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, mayonnaise, chives, dill, pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 02

Spread Filling on Bread: Lay out bread slices on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of filling on each slice.

Step 03

Assemble Sandwiches: Place another slice of bread on top to create five sandwiches. Gently press together to seal.

Step 04

Cut Sandwich Circles: Using a 1.5-inch round cookie cutter, cut four circles from each sandwich.

Step 05

Prepare Coconut Coating: Pour shredded coconut onto a plate.

Step 06

Adhere Coconut: Lightly brush edges of each sandwich bite with water or extra cream cheese to help the coconut stick.

Step 07

Roll in Coconut: Roll the sides and tops of each sandwich bite in the shredded coconut, creating a snowball effect.

Step 08

Chill and Serve: Arrange bites on a platter and refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or butter knife
  • 1.5-inch round cookie cutter
  • Small plate

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and egg. Check mayonnaise label. Substitute as needed for allergen-free variations.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 75
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g