Old Fashioned Tea Cakes (Mother'S Recipe) *

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 50 Cuisine: American

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are buttery, tender cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for teatime or sharing with friends. They offer a classic, comforting flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, sugar, and eggs together.
  2. Gradually add flour to the mixture.
  3. Add baking powder in the last cup of flour and mix well.
  4. Work the dough like pie crust until smooth.
  5. Roll out the dough to the desired thickness and cut into cookies.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular butter. If you're out of eggs, a flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce can be used as a substitute. Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out for easier handling. If you want to add some zest, a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These old-fashioned tea cakes are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a light fruit salad or a scoop of Peanut Butter Choc. Mousse Or Ice Cream for a delightful contrast. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store the tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Tea Cakes (Mother'S Recipe) * contains roughly 84 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

84 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.1g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 17.4g 6% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 52.2mg 2% DV
Potassium 49.1mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 12.7mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3mcg
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Calcium 35.1mg 3% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser texture. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter consistency while adding some nutritional value.

How can I make these tea cakes more festive for special occasions?

To make these tea cakes more festive, try adding colorful sprinkles before baking or icing them with a simple glaze after they cool. You can also incorporate seasonal flavors, like nutmeg or cinnamon, depending on the occasion.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little more flour until it reaches a workable consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to roll out.

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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