Carilou'S Tea Cakes
Carilou's Tea Cakes are delicate, lightly sweetened cookies with subtle vanilla and lemon flavors, perfect for teatime or special occasions. Their crisp texture and rich aroma make them a delightful treat for those who enjoy classic, homemade baked goods with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and oil together until well combined.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the sugar and oil mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Add the cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, vanilla flavoring, and lemon flavoring to the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients well and form the dough into a ball. Refrigerate overnight.
- Roll the dough as thin as desired.
- Pinch off a small portion of dough and form it into a ball in your hand.
- Flatten the small dough ball and place it on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of grated lemon zest or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the dough. If you're out of vanilla flavoring, almond extract makes a great substitute. Make sure to refrigerate the dough overnight; this helps enhance the flavors and makes it easier to roll out. If you want a lighter texture, you can replace half of the plain flour with cake flour.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a cup of tea. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing Yogurt Salad for a light dessert option. For a colorful presentation, consider serving them with Berry Bananas, which adds a fruity contrast to the sweet cakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carilou'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 55 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour, but the texture may be denser. To maintain lightness, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, starting with a 50/50 ratio. Adjust the liquid slightly if the dough feels too dry.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky to roll out?
If the dough is sticky, it may help to dust your work surface and rolling pin with a bit of flour. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dough for an additional 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as this can alter the final texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts can enhance the flavor and texture of your tea cakes. Just fold them into the dough after mixing all the ingredients. Keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins might change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).