Mama'S Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes
Mama's Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes are soft, chewy cookies with a hint of vanilla and sugar, perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together eggs, sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Sift flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together and add to the liquid mixture.
- Add more flour if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out cookies and space 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle the cookies with sugar.
- Bake at 400°F until lightly colored, for soft, chewy tea cakes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mama's Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes, consider using fresh vanilla beans instead of extract. If you don't have buttermilk, a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice works well as a substitute. For a twist, try adding lemon zest or almond extract. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing, and don't overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream for a light dessert. For a complete meal, consider them as a sweet side with savory dishes like the Easy Cranberry Wild Rice, creating a balanced flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to three months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes contains roughly 1702 calories, with 20g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1106mg per serving (48% 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 butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in Mama's Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes. However, the texture may be slightly different, as butter can make the cookies a bit crisper. Ensure you cream the butter well with the sugars to achieve a fluffy consistency.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour into the mixture gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the cookies tough. Additionally, chilling the dough helps firm it up for easier handling.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the tea cakes?
Absolutely! You can customize your tea cakes by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries for extra flavor. Just be mindful of the total volume of dry ingredients to maintain the right dough consistency.
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).