17 Nov 5 Perfect Winter Tea Pairing Ideas

Posted at 14:55h in all articles, featured, recipes, tea cocktails, tea food recipes by Zahra Ghani 0 Comments

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Winter is the season for cosy mugs, indulgent desserts, and flavours that feel warming from the inside out – so what could be better than creating the perfect winter tea pairing?

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Whether you’re curling up by the fire, unwinding after a long day, or simply savoring a quiet moment, the right tea can transform any winter day into a cosy retreat.

From the earthy richness of Pu-erh to the spiced comfort of Chai, each variety brings its own magic to the season. In this guide, we’ll explore the perfect winter tea pairing (with desserts) that elevate each cup, from gingery flavours to rich, chocolate treats – helping you create a truly indulgent winter experience.

chai – dessert pairings

Chai tastes like winter spices turned into a drink. For me it is my favourite tea all year round, but especially when the temperature finally drops and you need that cosy, hug-in-a-mug moment.

Chai (masala chai) is bold, spicy, sweet, and aromatic – so it pairs best with desserts that either echo its spices, balance its richness, or refresh the palate.

Cookies & Biscuits

Chai LOVES crunchy textures.

– Ginger snaps
– Oat and raisin cookies
– Shortbread
– Speculoos (Biscoff)
– Cardamom or cinnamon cookies

Classic Indian Pairings

These match chai perfectly because they share similar warm spices.

– Coconut ladoo (Soft, sweet, and gently fragrant)
– Gulab jamun (Sweet, syrupy, and perfect with milky chai)
– Nankhatai Indian shortbread cookies (Buttery, crumbly, aromatic)
– Kheer (rice pudding) or semolina halwa (Their cardamom sweetness amplifies chai’s warmth)

Baked Goods That Echo Chai’s Spice Profile

– Carrot cake (with cinnamon/nutmeg)
– Pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie
– Apple crumble or apple pie
– Banana bread with walnuts
– Cinnamon rolls

All are warm, cozy, and spice-forward.

If you are looking for a warm and cosy winter tea pairing, chai and a serving of halva (particularly, carrot or walnut) is such an elite combo!

Traditional Masala Chai

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There are many varieties of chai and how to make it. Why not try our chai tea discovery box and find what blend you like most!.

pu’er – dessert pairings

Pu-erh tea is woody, earth and a little mysterious- it tastes like the culinary equivalent of velvet curtains and antique bookshops.

For Earthy, Aged Pu-erh (Shou / ripe pu-erh)

These teas are dark, smooth, earthy, and often slightly sweet.

Best Dark Pu-erh Dessert Pairings

– Dark chocolate truffles
– Chocolate mousse or flourless chocolate cake
– Caramel or butterscotch pudding
– Walnut tart or pecan pie
– Sesame brittle or sesame cookies
– Coffee-flavoured desserts (tiramisu, espresso panna cotta)
– Red bean desserts (mochi, dorayaki)

Shou pu-erh has depth and earthiness that pairs beautifully with:

– chocolate bitterness
– nutty roasted flavours
– caramelised sugars

With desserts like these, pu-erh doesn’t just accompany – it transforms the experience into pure winter luxury.

1999 Golden Nuggets Supreme Pu Erh

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For Raw Pu-erh (Sheng pu-erh)

– Citrus desserts (lemon tart, yuzu cheesecake)
– Berry tarts
– Poached pears
– Light sponge or chiffon cake
– Shortbread or butter cookies

The brightness of young sheng needs something light, fruity, or gently sweet – not heavy chocolate.

2015 Snow Kissed Raw Pu-erh Braids

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oolong – dessert pairings

Oolong tea is a versatile brew that bridges green and black teas, offering both warmth and sophistication. This makes it a standout choice for the perfect winter tea pairing.

Light, Floral Oolong

(e.g. Tie Guan Yin, Lan Gui Ren Oolong)

These teas are delicate, slightly sweet, orchid-like. Pair them with desserts that won’t overwhelm their perfume.

Light Oolong Dessert Pairings

– Fruit tarts (berry, peach, pear)
– Almond cookies or almond financiers
– Light chiffon or sponge cake
– Panna cotta (vanilla, lychee, or jasmine)
– Macarons (rose, vanilla, raspberry, lychee)
– Japanese wagashi (mochi, daifuku, yokan)

The floral aroma of light oolong pairs beautifully with mild sweetness and fruit.

Wrap your hands around a warm cup of oolong and let it make every winter dessert into a cosy adventure.

Tie Guan Yin – Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong

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Dark, Roasted Oolong

(e.g. Da Hong Pao, Milk Oolong)

These teas have nutty, caramel, and roasted notes. They can handle richer or deeper flavors.

Dark Oolong Dessert Pairings

– Caramel flan or crème brûlée
– Walnut tart or pecan tart
– Sesame cookies or black sesame desserts
– Brown sugar cake or sticky toffee pudding
– Chocolate-hazelnut biscotti
– Banana bread or banana tarte tatin

The toasty, mineral qualities in dark oolong harmonise with caramelisation, nuts, and gentle chocolate.

Da Hong Pao Oolong

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Want to level up your oolong journey? Try our oolong gift box – treat yourself or gift another.

black tea – dessert pairings

If you like your tea to feel like a walk through a freshly rained on forest this black tea is for you!

With honeyed sweetness, nutty undertones, and ripe fruit flavours, plus a chocolate and forest plum aroma, it brews into a glowing red-amber cup.

Classic Pairings

– Scones with clotted cream & jam
– Shortbread or butter cookies
– Madeleines or financiers
– Pound cake (lemon, vanilla, or almond)
– Victoria sponge cake

These complement black tea’s tannins without overpowering it.