Nutmeg Tea Cakes
Nutmeg Tea Cakes are light, spiced cookies with warm nutmeg flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat for any occasion. They are tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add lemon juice to Milnot and set aside.
- Cream together sugar and shortening.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add vanilla.
- Sift together dry ingredients.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with the Milnot to the creamed mixture.
- Drop by rounded teaspoons onto floured cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool.
- Frost if desired. Store plain, then frost.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don't have Milnot, whole milk can be a suitable substitute. Consider adding a touch of cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing, which could lead to dense cakes.
Serving Suggestions
These Nutmeg Tea Cakes make a delightful pairing with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. They also complement light desserts such as Spring Daffodil Pie or can be served alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced treat. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or a light frosting for special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nutmeg Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you frost them, keep them in the fridge to maintain their freshness. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in the oven at a low temperature to retain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutmeg Tea Cakes contains roughly 186 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g 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 use butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that butter will make the cakes slightly denser, so consider chilling the dough for a bit before baking to help maintain their shape.
What can I do if I don't have nutmeg?
If you don't have nutmeg, you can substitute with an equal amount of cinnamon or a spice blend that includes nutmeg, such as pumpkin pie spice. While the flavor will differ slightly, it will still add a lovely warmth to your cakes.
How can I make these cakes more festive?
To make the Nutmeg Tea Cakes more festive, consider adding a simple glaze or frosting on top. You can also incorporate holiday spices like allspice or cloves into the batter, or decorate them with colorful sprinkles or candied citrus zest for a cheerful presentation.
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).