Grandma'S Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Grandma's Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are delicate, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla and a subtle sweetness. Their tender crumb makes them perfect for afternoon tea or as a nostalgic treat. Lightly sprinkled with sugar and baked to a golden brown, these cookies evoke comforting memories of homemade baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter.
- Gradually add sugar and eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Add buttermilk and mix well.
- Combine flour and baking soda.
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Add vanilla and mix well.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into rounds with a cookie cutter and place on lightly greased cookie sheets.
- Sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar.
- Bake in a 350°F or 400°F oven for 7 or 8 minutes or until cookies are light brown.
- Remove from cookie sheet and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful twist, consider adding lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results. If you prefer, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar to enhance the cookies' flavor. These tea cakes can be rolled thicker for a softer texture or thinner for a crunchier bite.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, pair them with Macaroon Ice Cream for a delicious dessert experience. You can also serve them at gatherings or as part of a dessert platter with fruits and other baked goods, such as M&M-Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover tea cakes, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Old Fashioned Tea Cakes contains roughly 27 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 in this recipe. However, the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Look for a high-quality margarine that has a similar fat content to butter for the best results.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The tea cakes are done when they turn light brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the dough is a delicious way to enhance these tea cakes. Fold in about a cup of your favorite chocolate chips after mixing in the flour for a sweet variation that everyone will love.
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).