Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites

Featured in: Holiday Favorites

These delicate tea sandwich bites feature soft white bread layered with a creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs. Each sandwich is cut into small rounds and rolled in sweet shredded coconut, creating a snowball-like appearance. Perfectly chilled, they offer a light, flavorful finger food ideal for winter occasions or afternoon gatherings. Variations include adding parsley or cranberries into the coconut for a festive twist.

The preparation is straightforward, requiring no cooking time, and yields 20 elegant bites. They pair wonderfully with herbal or black teas and provide a vegetarian-friendly option that combines creamy, savory, and subtly sweet textures in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:49:00 GMT
Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, delicate and snow-covered, ready to be enjoyed with afternoon tea. Save to Pinterest
Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, delicate and snow-covered, ready to be enjoyed with afternoon tea. | krispyrecipes.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.

Make these for cozy get-togethers&they always disappear fast at my family’s tea parties.

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 bursting from these Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, perfectly coated in sweet coconut flakes. Save to Pinterest
Creamy filling bursting from these Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, perfectly coated in sweet coconut flakes. | krispyrecipes.com

My family loves these during holiday teas&they bring back fond memories every year.

Notes

For a festive touch, mix a little finely chopped parsley or dried cranberries into the coconut. Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free bread if desired. Pairs beautifully with herbal or black teas.

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.

Round Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, showcasing a lovely texture, sit ready for a holiday spread. Save to Pinterest
Round Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites, showcasing a lovely texture, sit ready for a holiday spread. | krispyrecipes.com

These bites are easy to prepare ahead and always impress guests with their elegant appearance.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I prevent the coconut from falling off the sandwiches?

Lightly brushing the sandwich edges with water or extra cream cheese before rolling in coconut helps the coating adhere better and stay intact.

Can I use different bread types for these bites?

Yes, whole wheat or gluten-free bread can be substituted to suit dietary preferences while maintaining a soft texture.

What herbs work best in the filling?

Fresh chives and dill lend a bright, savory flavor, but parsley or tarragon can be used for variations.

Are these suitable for serving at tea time?

Absolutely, their delicate size and creamy filling make them an elegant choice for tea parties or light appetizers.

How far ahead can these bites be prepared?

They can be assembled and coated a few hours in advance and kept chilled to maintain freshness and texture.

Snowball Tea Sandwich Bites

Soft bread bites filled with cream cheese, herbs, and coated in shredded coconut for elegant gatherings.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Holiday Favorites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American, British

Total Portions 20 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Veggie-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Bread

01 10 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed

Filling

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

Coating

01 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, mayonnaise, chives, dill, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and homogeneous.

Step 02

Assemble sandwiches: Lay bread slices on a clean surface and spread an even layer of filling over each slice.

Step 03

Form sandwich layers: Place a second slice of bread atop each filled slice to form 5 sandwiches. Press gently to adhere.

Step 04

Cut sandwich bites: Using a 1.5-inch round cookie cutter, cut 4 circles from each sandwich.

Step 05

Prepare coating: Spread shredded coconut evenly on a plate for coating.

Step 06

Apply moisture for adhesion: Lightly brush edges of each bite with water or extra cream cheese to enable coconut adherence.

Step 07

Coat bites: Roll the sides and tops of each sandwich bite in the shredded coconut, creating a snowball appearance.

Step 08

Chill before serving: Arrange coated bites on a platter and refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains gluten (bread), dairy (cream cheese, butter), and egg (mayonnaise; verify labels).
  • Use suitable substitutes for egg- or dairy-free requirements.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 75
  • Total Fat: 5 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Protein Content: 1.5 grams