Mamie'S Tea Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Mamie's Tea Cakes are tender, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for teatime or sharing with friends and family. Their simple ingredients create a nostalgic treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream margarine and sugar together.
  2. Add beaten egg, buttermilk, and vanilla, and mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough is stiff enough to roll out.
  4. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
  5. Bake at 275°F until edges are brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure your dough isn't too sticky when rolling out; if it is, lightly flour your work surface. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the taste, reminiscent of classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These tea cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider pairing them with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. For a festive twist, you can decorate them with icing or sprinkles. They also make a charming addition to a dessert table alongside Cinnamon Disc Grandma Willette.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let them thaw and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-8 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mamie'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 122 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

122 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 2% DV
Carbs 24.6g 9% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 37.5mg 2% DV
Potassium 88.8mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 26.4mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 32.2mg 2% DV
Iron 1.2mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. If using whole wheat, consider adding a tablespoon more of buttermilk to maintain moisture. This will keep the tea cakes soft while adding a nutty flavor.

How can I make these tea cakes more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you might add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for added texture. Experimenting with different extracts, like almond or lemon, can also provide a unique twist.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface while rolling out the dough, but avoid adding too much to keep the texture light.

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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