Nannie'S Tea Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Nannie'S Tea Cakes are soft, sweet cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for teatime or special occasions, appealing to those who love classic, comforting baked treats.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup shortening or oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening, sugar, and vanilla; add eggs and mix well.
  2. Stir in flour and salt.
  3. Dough will be wet; add just enough flour to make it workable for rolling.
  4. Roll dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  5. Cut with cookie cutters and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using butter instead of shortening or oil. If you want a hint of spice, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. If the dough remains too sticky, dust your work surface with a bit of flour while rolling. Ensure your baking sheet is ungreased for the perfect texture, as these tea cakes are meant to be light and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful tea cakes are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider pairing them with a fruit preserve or honey for added sweetness. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter alongside items like the Ambrosia Dessert Bowl. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nannie'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 1089 calories, with 6g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1089 kcal 54% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 62.3g 80% DV
Carbs 80.4g 29% DV
Fiber 8.1g 29% DV
Sugar 11.4g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 336.9mg 15% DV
Potassium 720.9mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 64.5mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 65.4mg 73% DV
Calcium 111.4mg 9% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour. Just add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup of flour to mimic the self-rising flour's properties.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to work with, gradually add small amounts of flour until it becomes manageable. Be cautious not to add too much, as this can alter the texture of the tea cakes.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts can enhance the flavor and texture of your tea cakes. Just fold them in gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients.

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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