Grandma'S Old Timey Tea Cakes
Grandma's Old Timey Tea Cakes are soft, buttery treats infused with your favorite flavor, perfect for teatime or family gatherings, offering nostalgic homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until well combined.
- Add margarine or shortening and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add 3 to 4 cups of self-rising flour, measuring one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of your preferred flavor extract.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine or shortening. You can also experiment with different extracts such as almond or lemon for unique variations. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually. Make sure to space the cookies well on the baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Norma'S Hot Fudge Sauce for a sweet drizzle on top. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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 on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Old Timey Tea Cakes contains roughly 593 calories, with 13g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 4g 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 all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour by adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup of flour used. This will help achieve the same fluffy texture without self-rising flour.
What flavor extracts work best for these tea cakes?
Popular choices include vanilla, almond, lemon, and even orange. Feel free to get creative and mix flavors or use a specialty extract like hazelnut to give your tea cakes a unique twist.
Can I make these tea cakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. This will allow you to maintain the same texture and taste while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
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).