English Tea Cookies
English Tea Cookies are delicate, lightly spiced treats featuring nutmeg, raisins, and a hint of confectioners sugar, perfect for teatime or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the self-rising flour, nutmeg, and sugar.
- Add margarine and cut into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
- Combine eggs and milk; stir into the flour mixture to form a dough.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Dust the cookies with confectioners sugar and place a raisin on top of each.
- Bake for 9 minutes at 375°F, or until edges are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure you sift the flour, nutmeg, and sugar thoroughly. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. If you prefer dried fruit, swap raisins for chopped dried apricots or cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
These English Tea Cookies are delightful served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a special touch, pair them with 'English' Custard for dipping. You can also serve them at tea parties or holiday gatherings, alongside other sweet treats like Holiday Mints for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Tea Cookies contains roughly 173 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% 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 all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you'll need to add 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to mimic the properties of self-rising flour.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can replace them with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any dried fruit of your choice, such as cranberries or apricots, to add a unique twist to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned and the centers appear set. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
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).