Georgia'S Tea Cakes

Prep: 30 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Georgia's Tea Cakes are delicate, sweet cookies with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor. Perfect for teatime or special gatherings, these cookies have a crisp exterior and soft interior, making them a delightful treat for all ages. Their simple ingredients and classic taste make them a timeless favorite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 4 whole eggs
  • 1 c. butter or margarine
  • 1 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 1/2 c. plain flour

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, butter, eggs, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and vanilla together until well combined.
  2. Chill the dough well before rolling out.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut with a cookie cutter.
  4. Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 1 minute.
  6. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 7 to 8 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. If you're out of cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the dough is sufficiently chilled to make rolling easier. If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

These tea cakes are delightful on their own but can be served with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat. Consider pairing them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a fun twist, serve alongside Oatmeal Scotch Chippies for a delightful cookie platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until just warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Georgia'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 113 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

113 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 15.5g 6% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 323mg 14% DV
Potassium 146.1mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 27.1mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 29.8mg 2% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg 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 whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, the texture may be slightly denser, so adjust the baking time as needed.

What can I do if my dough is too soft to roll out?

If your dough is too soft, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to roll out. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with a little flour to assist in handling the dough.

How can I make these tea cakes more decorative?

To add a decorative touch, consider icing the cooled tea cakes with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for a festive appearance.

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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