Mama Rains' Tea Cakes
Mama Rains' Tea Cakes are light, sweet cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for afternoon tea or sharing with family and friends. They offer a classic, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Add egg and beat well.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the mixture.
- Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 400° to 450° for about 15 minutes.
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 with unsalted butter, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Experiment with adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with the 'All You Need' Breakfast Drink for a refreshing start to the day. Consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt for a balanced snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes until they are warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Rains' Tea Cakes contains roughly 980 calories, with 4g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1591mg per serving (69% 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 the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum to help with the texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
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 about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. You can also lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the tea cakes are done?
The tea cakes are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and spring back when gently pressed. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.
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).