Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are delightful, soft cookies that evoke nostalgia with their warm flavors of nutmeg and vanilla. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat for family gatherings, these cakes are a delightful way to share comfort and joy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add milk, nutmeg and vanilla.
- Sift flour and baking powder together and combine with other mixture.
- Add enough additional flour to roll out and cut.
- Bake on ungreased cookie sheet in oven at 325° for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If you're out of nutmeg, cinnamon can be a great substitute. To make the dough easier to handle, chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling. This also helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring your tea cakes maintain their shape.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own but can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a classic afternoon treat. They also complement well with fresh fruit, such as berries or slices of peach from a refreshing Peach Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Tea Cakes contains roughly 127 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 3g 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum. The texture may differ slightly, but it should still yield delicious results.
What if I don't have baking powder?
If you run out of baking powder, you can make a substitute using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda combined with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for each teaspoon of baking powder required. This will help your tea cakes rise.
How can I make these tea cakes more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the dough. You can also experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist. Another option is to mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
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).