Zinc telluride (ZnTe) quantum dots (QDs) prepared via a facile one-pot synthetic route is hereby reported. Zinc acetate, l-cysteine and potassium telluride were utilized as the starting materials for synthesis under low growth temperature (90oC) in open air conditions. The optical and structural properties of the ZnTe QDs were investigated using various analytical equipment of analysis. ZnTe photoluminescence (PL) spectra displayed a re-shift in the emission wavelength as the reaction time progressed to longer durations of growth. An increase in the emission peak intensity was observed up to 30 min of growth where a decline was observed. Ultra-visible spectroscopy analysis confirmed the red shift of the absorption edges as the reaction time increases. The optical band gap of ZnTe QDs was observed to have an inverse relation with the growth time. Structural and morphological properties were studied using X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope and high resolution scanning microscope. The results were used to estimate the particle sizes which confirmed to be in the nano-range at QD levels.