Nana'S Tea Cakes
Nana's Tea Cakes are delightful, buttery cookies that evoke nostalgia with their sweet vanilla flavor. Perfect for tea time or as a light dessert, these treats are easy to make and ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Their tender texture makes them a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter flavored Crisco until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually add flour and knead as you would biscuit dough until stiff enough to roll.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out into desired thickness. Cut out with cookie cutter or biscuit cutter.
- Bake on greased sheet for about 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half Crisco. You can also substitute the self-rising flour with all-purpose flour and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. If you prefer a hint of flavor, try adding lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla. To make the dough easier to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling out.
Serving Suggestions
Nana's Tea Cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of Gingerbread for a cozy dessert platter. You can also decorate them with icing or sprinkles for festive occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, place them in the refrigerator where they can last up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until they're soft and slightly warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 417 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 40g 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 freeze Nana's Tea Cakes?
Yes, these tea cakes freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
Can I use regular butter instead of Crisco?
Absolutely! Using regular butter will give a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different; the cookies might be a bit softer. If you use butter, make sure it’s softened for easier creaming with sugar.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes, which will make it easier to roll out without sticking.
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).