When it's cold outside, we often find ourselves seeking comfort in food and hot drinks to keep winter at bay. We take longer tea breaks and spend more time trying to find the perfect tea-time or winter treat for a hot drink.

These classics are a great way to enjoy winter a lot more, so cosy up and enjoy the classic winter treats we all grew up loving. Enjoy the crunch of traditional rusks designed for dunking, the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sensation of tarts, and sweet apricot jam nestled in coconut-topped Hertzoggies with your favourite hot drink. These baked goods have warmed generations through chilly winter months, each bringing unique qualities that complement different hot drinks.

Whether you're enjoying a robust coffee, fragrant rooibos tea, or rich hot chocolate, these traditional treats enhance the experience by contrasting or complementing your drink's flavour profile.

1. Low-carb rusks

Rusks may be a perennial pairing for most hot drinks. Enjoy guilt-free dunking with low-carb rusks, a keto-friendly twist on the classic. These crunchy, nutty treats pair perfectly with coffee or tea while keeping carbs to a minimum.

Low carb rusks recipe 

2. Best veg soup with amagwinya and gremolata

An ordinary South African is up before the birds realise the night has made way for the day. Amagwinya with soup is sold at taxi ranks, on street corners and even in shops in the mornings. This is the perfect warming treat for those wet and cold winter mornings. Warm up with a hearty vegetable soup served with traditional South African amagwinya (vetkoek) and bright gremolata. The perfect comfort food combo for cold winter days with a hot cup of coffee.

Best veg soup with amagwinya and gremolata recipe 

3. Apricot turnovers

Home-made apricot turnovers are the perfect snack to enjoy anywhere, anytime. These buttery, crumbly treats are filled with sweet apricot jam and pair perfectly with your afternoon tea or coffee.

Apricot turnover biscuits recipe 

4. Strawberry scones

You can easily bake perfect strawberry scones with this recipe. Light, fluffy treats studded with fresh berries and topped with luscious cream are ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea indulgence. They're the right amount of sweetness that you can enjoy with your hot beverage without overpowering it.

Strawberry scones recipe 

5.Bollas (doughnuts)

These easy-to-pack treats are Cape Malay-style doughnuts fried to golden perfection and drenched in sweet syrup. A beloved treat for special occasions or teatime – bring some for your colleagues, too.

Bollas (doughnuts) recipe 

6. Hertzoggies

Learn how to transform Hertzoggies into a stunning bake. This sweet apricot-and-coconut dessert offers all the classic flavours in a convenient, shareable format, perfect for tea or coffee.

Hertzoggies recipe 

7. Cheese toasties – 3 ways

What’s teatime without some cheesy goodness? Make this three-cheese gourmet toastie recipe that transforms simple comfort food into something special. From classic ham to rich mushrooms and fresh tomatoes, each variation is uniquely delicious.

Cheese toasties – 3 ways recipe 

8. Koeksisters

Just one bite of a koeksister makes everything a little better. These twisted, syrup-soaked pastries deliver the perfect balance of a crispy exterior, soft interior and sweet stickiness. Enjoy this traditional sweet dessert this winter.

Koeksisters recipe

9. Pumpkin fritters

Pumpkin fritters are golden, crispy treats with a soft, sweet centre. These classic comfort bites are dusted with cinnamon sugar to make the perfect warm dessert or teatime indulgence. They're the  perfect pairing for flavoured tea or rich, black coffee. These are best enjoyed while still warm.

Pumpkin fritters recipe 

Looking for more options? Here's our afternoon tea recipe guide

This content was created with AI assistance, however it was fact-checked, edited and ideated by actual human beings at TASTE.