Fay'S Tea Cakes
Fay's Tea Cakes are light, buttery cookies with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for teatime or sharing with friends. They melt in your mouth and are easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs to the butter and sugar mixture and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the buttermilk-vanilla mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda, then add to the wet mixture gradually, mixing until just combined.
- Drop by tablespoons onto a slightly greased cookie sheet.
- Flatten each cookie slightly and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 13 minutes, until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted before creaming with sugar. You can substitute buttermilk with yogurt or milk mixed with a little vinegar for a similar tang. If you're short on flour, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful tea cakes are perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with Fresh Fruit Cream Pie, making a lovely dessert spread. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a light glaze for extra sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fay'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 1699 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1747mg 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 margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture. Opt for a stick margarine that is suitable for baking for the best results.
How do I know when the tea cakes are done baking?
The tea cakes are done when they are lightly golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor. Just be cautious not to overmix when adding these ingredients.
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).