Lily'S Tea Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Lily's Tea Cakes are delicate, sweet cookies with vanilla flavor, perfect for tea time or gifting, appealing to those who enjoy light, buttery treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups plain flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well.
  2. Roll very thin and cut with a cookie cutter.
  3. Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the best texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract. Rolling the dough thin is key for crisp cookies, similar to those made in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These tea cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special touch, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. They also pair beautifully with cheese pancakes for a sweet and savory breakfast spread. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream for an elegant dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they maintain their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lily'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 725 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

725 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5g 10% DV
Total Fat 5.4g 7% DV
Carbs 59.1g 21% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 25.7g 51% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 644.1mg 28% DV
Potassium 545.8mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 87.9mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47.4mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 4.2mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 425.7mg 33% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
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 plain flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour, but the texture may be denser. To counter this, consider adding an extra tablespoon of buttermilk to maintain moisture. The flavor will be nuttier, which can be a delightful variation.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. You can also sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface to help with rolling.

How can I make these tea cakes more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your tea cakes, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the dough. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the taste, making them a delightful treat.

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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