Grandmother Lou'S Tea Cakes
Delightful grandmother-style tea cakes with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, butter, and shortening until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cream of tartar, and soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend.
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature before mixing. If you want to reduce the sugar, consider adding a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor. You can substitute half the shortening with applesauce for a healthier twist, similar to those used in American recipes. Adjust baking time slightly if using a convection oven.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elegant touch, serve them alongside Gentlemen's Lemon Pie or as part of a dessert platter featuring a variety of cookies, like Jumbo Oatmeal Cookies. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother Lou'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 160 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of potassium (19% 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 make these tea cakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor. A teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla can also give a lovely twist to the classic flavor.
How can I tell when the tea cakes are done baking?
The tea cakes are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. If you gently press the top, it should spring back. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
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).