Old Fashioned Sugar Tea Cakes
Old Fashioned Sugar Tea Cakes are light, sweet treats with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings. Their tender crumb and subtle sweetness make them a nostalgic favorite for those who enjoy classic baked goods with a hint of simplicity and charm.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the well-beaten eggs, cream, and vanilla; mix well.
- Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending well.
- Shape the dough into 3 to 4 balls and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into doughnut shapes.
- Bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes or until delicately brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the shortening and sugar are creamed thoroughly until fluffy. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons for every cup used. For flavor variations, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using almond extract instead of vanilla. These cookies can also be shaped into classic rounds for a more traditional appearance.
Serving Suggestions
These Old Fashioned Sugar Tea Cakes make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a more festive presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving. They also pair beautifully with Delicate Lemon Meringue Pie for a charming dessert spread. Consider serving them at gatherings or as part of a dessert platter with other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their texture, avoid refrigerating them. If you want to enjoy them warm, gently reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Sugar Tea Cakes contains roughly 1137 calories, with 18g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (59% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1319mg per serving (57% 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 freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough balls before chilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with chilling and cutting into shapes.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the cookies dense.
Can I use a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. However, keep in mind that using butter will add a richer flavor and may alter the texture slightly, making them a bit more tender.
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).