Chocolate Chip Tea Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Chocolate Chip Tea Cake offers a delightful combination of buttery, tender crumb with pockets of rich chocolate chips and a crunchy nutty topping. Perfect for tea time or casual gatherings, this treat balances sweetness with texture, appealing to chocolate lovers and those seeking a comforting homemade dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped nuts
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  1. Beat butter and powdered sugar in a large mixer bowl until creamy.
  2. Beat in vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually beat in flour and chopped nuts.
  4. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
  6. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until set and light golden brown on the bottom.
  7. Cool for 2 minutes on baking sheets, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Microwave remaining chocolate chips in a heavy-duty plastic bag on high for 30 seconds; knead.
  9. Microwave in additional 10 to 20-second intervals, kneading until smooth.
  10. Cut a tiny corner from the bag and squeeze the chocolate drizzle over cookies.
  11. Chill the cookies for about 5 minutes or until chocolate is set.
  12. Store at room temperature in airtight containers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of powdered sugar for a slight caramel note. You can substitute the nuts with oats for a gluten-free option or use a mix of dried fruit for added sweetness. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, add an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Keep a close eye on the baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate chip tea cakes are delightful with a cup of tea or coffee as a snack. For a special touch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with Mocha Logs for a sweet dessert platter. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Tea Cake contains roughly 329 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 26g fat.

329 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 26g 33% DV
Carbs 17.3g 6% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 6.2g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1mg
Potassium 157.5mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 60mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Calcium 9.8mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a variation in sweetness and richness. Just be mindful that different chocolates may melt differently, which can affect the drizzle if you choose to add it.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll into balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can add a little extra flour, but do so gradually to avoid making the cookies too dry.

Can I omit the nuts from the recipe?

Yes, you can easily omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. The cookies will still be delicious with just the chocolate chips. If you want to add some texture, consider adding a bit of shredded coconut or oats instead.

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).

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