Grandma Moses Tea Cakes
Grandma Moses Tea Cakes are delightful, buttery cookies with a tender crumb and vanilla flavor, perfect for sharing with family and friends during teatime or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine, sugar, and eggs together.
- Add vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Mix in all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Chill the dough for about an hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into cookies using cookie cutters.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine, and feel free to add lemon zest or almond extract for a twist. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia. Be sure to chill the dough adequately; this helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful tea cakes with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a light dessert. For a complete gathering, consider serving alongside Almost-French-Fried Onion Rings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Moses Tea Cakes contains roughly 1234 calories, with 19g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1666mg per serving (72% 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 freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes, or use a quarter cup of applesauce for each egg.
How can I make these tea cakes more festive?
You can easily decorate the tea cakes with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make them festive for holidays or special occasions. Adding colored sugar before baking also gives them a lovely sparkle. Consider making them for celebrations alongside Pennsylvania Dutch Corn Pudding.
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).