Ms. Eunice'S Tea Cakes
Ms. Eunice's Tea Cakes are delicate, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for teatime or special occasions, offering a tender crumb and light sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure sifted flour; add baking powder and salt and sift again.
- Cream butter; add sugar gradually, creaming well.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each.
- Add vanilla. Add flour alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition. Chill dough overnight.
- Roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut with biscuit cutter.
- Prick tops of each cookie with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Bake at 400°F for 9 to 10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to sift the flour multiple times. If you want to switch things up, consider using half whole wheat flour for added nutrition or substituting half the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat option. Remember to chill the dough overnight; this step is crucial for achieving the right consistency for rolling out. Don't skip the pricking step to prevent puffed-up cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own but can also be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. For a special touch, try pairing them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter featuring options like Lemon Dessert Cake or Berry Cloud Dessert for a varied presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store the tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, which helps retain their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ms. Eunice'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 924 calories, with 13g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% 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 a different type of milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that flavored milks may alter the final taste slightly. If you're looking for a richer flavor, whole milk or cream can be used as well.
How can I make these tea cakes more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding zest from a lemon or orange to the dough. You can also fold in some mini chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries for added sweetness. Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can also be a wonderful addition.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
If your dough is sticky, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, which should help firm it up. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough while rolling it out. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can alter the texture.
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).