Mrs. Walker'S Tea Cakes
Mrs. Walker's Tea Cakes are tender, lightly sweetened cookies with a hint of vanilla or lemon, perfect for teatime or special occasions, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in buttermilk and dissolved soda.
- Sift together all dry ingredients except soda.
- Gradually work enough flour into the mixture to form a stiff dough.
- Roll out on a floured surface to the desired thickness.
- Cut out with a biscuit cutter.
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 400° F for 8 minutes or until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter flavor Crisco is at room temperature before creaming. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dry ingredients. For easy clean-up, roll your dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mrs. Walker's Tea Cakes with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with Eylene'S Salad Ring for a charming brunch spread. For added flair, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Walker'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 1222 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2316mg per serving (101% 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 regular butter instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can use regular unsalted butter instead of Crisco. However, the texture may be slightly different, as Crisco helps create a lighter, fluffier cake. If using butter, ensure it’s softened for easy creaming with sugar.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the tea cakes tough.
Can I add flavors to the tea cakes?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract or mixing in finely grated lemon zest for a citrusy twist. Chocolate chips or chopped nuts can also be incorporated for added texture and taste.
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).