Grandma Hicks' Tea Cakes
Grandma Hicks' Tea Cakes are light, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for tea time or gifting, appealing to those who enjoy classic, sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, eggs, sugar, softened butter, and vanilla flavoring to form a biscuit-like dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut with a small cutter into desired shapes.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract alongside the vanilla flavoring. If you want a lighter texture, replace half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling for cleaner cuts.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own or paired with a warm cup of tea. Consider serving alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet contrast. They also pair beautifully with Cherry Blinks for a lovely dessert spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their softness, you can layer them with parchment paper. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes, ensuring they don't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Hicks' Tea Cakes contains roughly 647 calories, with 12g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.
How can I add more flavor to my tea cakes?
In addition to vanilla, you can experiment with citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten the flavor. For a more festive touch, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with additional flour to help manage the stickiness.
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).