Ole Fashion Tea Cakes
Ole Fashion Tea Cakes are classic, tender cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for teatime or sharing with friends. Light and sweet, they appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and Crisco together until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually stir in self-rising flour to form a dough.
- Make a roll of dough and chill if desired.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter or spoon out small balls.
- Place on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. If you're out of self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 4 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle, especially if you choose to cut shapes with a cookie cutter.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee and pair beautifully with Mildred'S Lime Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete dessert spread, consider offering Grandma'S Fudge alongside them. They can also be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole Fashion Tea Cakes contains roughly 508 calories, with 6g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and potassium (12% 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 use butter instead of Crisco in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for Crisco, but the texture may differ slightly. Butter will provide a richer flavor, while Crisco yields a softer, more tender cake. If using butter, ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
How can I make these tea cakes more festive?
To make your tea cakes more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles to the dough before rolling it out or icing the cooled cakes with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. You could also incorporate seasonal flavors, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance their appeal.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a bit more self-rising flour on your work surface and on the dough itself. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes, which will help firm it up and make it easier to handle.
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).