Granny Craver'S Tea Cakes
Sweet and buttery tea cakes with a hint of lemon and vanilla, perfect for teatime or sharing with friends during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, brown sugar, and margarine.
- Mix in eggs and flavorings (vanilla and lemon).
- Gradually add buttermilk and flour to make a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured board and cut into shapes.
- Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet at 370°F for 7 to 9 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your margarine is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugars. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. These tea cakes can also be enhanced with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm twist.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings. You can also pair them with a light fruit salad or serve alongside Grandma'S Raisin Cookies for a charming dessert spread. For a festive touch, consider drizzling them with Tabitha'S Icing for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through, ensuring they remain soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny Craver'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 597 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 626mg per serving (27% 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 regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar for brown sugar, but keep in mind that brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. If you want to replicate the flavor, try adding a tablespoon of molasses to your regular sugar.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember to flour your rolling surface as well to prevent sticking while cutting shapes.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of the tea cakes. Just fold in about a cup of your chosen mix-ins after combining the wet and dry ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
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).