Grandma'S Tea Cookies(From The Files Of Adness Williams Crutchfield)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Grandma's Tea Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or gifting, appealing to those who enjoy classic, nostalgic baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. shortening
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 c. milk
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and beat.
  2. Add milk and vanilla; mix well.
  3. Sift in dry ingredients; mix well.
  4. Roll out on a floured board very thin.
  5. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 400° until brown, about 8 or 10 minutes.
  6. Lemon or almond flavoring may be added instead of vanilla (1 teaspoon).

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. For a flavor twist, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla. If you want to experiment with spices, a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon can complement the sweetness beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These tea cookies are perfect for afternoon tea and pair wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile. They can also be served alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a selection of cheeses for a delightful snack. For a fun treat, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of No-Bake Layered Dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their warmth and crispness. This method preserves their texture effectively.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Tea Cookies(From The Files Of Adness Williams Crutchfield) contains roughly 358 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2260mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

358 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 16.1g 21% DV
Carbs 40.1g 15% DV
Fiber 5.3g 19% DV
Sugar 4.9g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2260.2mg 98% DV
Potassium 371.9mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 13.1mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 44.2mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 323.9mg 25% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To achieve a lighter result, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This will add a nutty flavor while still keeping the cookies soft.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it's manageable. Ensure you're rolling it out on a well-floured surface to prevent sticking. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help firm it up for easier handling.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/2 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, consider adding a pinch of salt or spices like cinnamon to balance the flavors. Remember that the sweetness can also be complemented by the toppings or fillings you choose to serve with them.

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).

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