Icebox Tea Cake
Icebox Tea Cake offers a crisp, buttery texture with subtle vanilla and nutmeg flavors, perfect for a cool, homemade treat that requires chilling and slicing for serving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and sugar well.
- Add beaten eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, salt, and vinegar.
- Mix until well blended.
- Sift together flour, soda, and baking powder; add to mixture.
- Chill in refrigerator.
- Shape into silver dollar size rolls.
- Wrap in wax paper.
- Chill until ready to bake.
- Slice thin.
- Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid any lumps. Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and better texture when baked.
Serving Suggestions
These icebox tea cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, pair them with Cherry Cream for a sweet contrast. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other baked goods, or can be enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover icebox tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Icebox Tea Cake contains roughly 230 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% 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 fat instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or even coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer taste, while coconut oil will impart a subtle coconut flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden brown around the edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so make sure not to overbake them for the best texture.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, to the dough before chilling. This will elevate the flavor and texture of your icebox tea cakes.
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).