Grandma'S Tea Cakes(Old Family Recipe)
Grandma's Tea Cakes are tender, buttery cookies infused with almond flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or special family gatherings, appealing to those who love classic, comforting treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
- Stir in almond extract.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out cookies using a 2 3/4-inch round cutter.
- Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher fat content. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be a great substitute. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, and chill the dough thoroughly to make rolling out easier. For an added twist, try incorporating a bit of citrus zest for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful tea cakes pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings. Consider serving alongside a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, you can decorate with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of Creamy Frosting For Sugar Cookies to add sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Tea Cakes(Old Family Recipe) contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 608mg per serving (26% 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 use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour gives the best texture for these tea cakes, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients. The cookies might have a slightly different texture, but they'll still be delicious!
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To add a festive flair, consider adding colored sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking. You can also cut the cookies into holiday shapes or decorate them with a light glaze after baking. Another option is to sandwich two cookies together with your favorite jam or frosting for a delightful treat.
What can I serve these cookies with?
These tea cakes are versatile and pair wonderfully with various beverages. Enjoy them with a classic cup of Earl Grey or a refreshing iced tea. For a more indulgent pairing, serve alongside a slice of Angel Pound Cake or some fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
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).