Mama'S Old-Fashioned Tea Cookies
Old-fashioned tea cookies with a delicate sweetness and tender crumb, perfect for teatime or special occasions, appealing to both traditional and modern cookie lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift self-rising flour into a biscuit bowl.
- Make a well in the flour.
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Add beaten eggs, vanilla flavoring, and milk to the creamed mixture.
- Pour all ingredients into the flour well and mix as you would for biscuits.
- Roll dough on a floured board to 1/2-inch or thinner.
- Cut out cookies with a floured cookie cutter.
- Bake in a 350° to 375°F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening, though this might alter the texture slightly. If you prefer a lighter cookie, try replacing some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. Sifting the flour not only removes lumps but also aerates it, leading to a lighter cookie.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cookies are delightful served alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee. You can also pair them with a light fruit compote or a dollop of Mock Whipped Frosting for added sweetness. They make a charming addition to a dessert platter or a lovely treat during afternoon tea gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, retaining their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Old-Fashioned Tea Cookies contains roughly 85 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
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 substitute all-purpose flour for self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but be sure to add baking powder and salt to mimic self-rising flour. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to maintain the right texture and rise in your cookies.
What should I do if the 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. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface and on the dough to help with rolling.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to these cookies?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon. For mix-ins, consider chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Just be mindful that these additions may affect the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
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).