Ole Time Tea Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Ole Time Tea Cakes are tender, sweet cookies with a delightful vanilla flavor, perfect for sharing with family and friends during special occasions or everyday treats.

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Ingredients

  • 5 small eggs
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 2 cups cooking oil
  • 5 cups flour
  • 3 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla flavor

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs slowly in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add sugar gradually and mix well.
  3. Add cooking oil and mix thoroughly.
  4. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix slowly until combined.
  5. Add vanilla flavor and mix well.
  6. Pinch off small portions of dough.
  7. Pat each portion flat onto a sprayed cookie sheet.
  8. Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the cooking oil with unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, if you want to enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. These tea cakes are also great with a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

These Ole Time Tea Cakes are delightful on their own but can also be served with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a fruit platter or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also go well with certain Southern desserts like Tired Wife Cake.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain their softness and warmth.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ole Time Tea Cakes contains roughly 560 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).

560 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 51.4g 66% DV
Carbs 25.3g 9% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 300.1mg 13% DV
Potassium 184.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11mg 12% DV
Calcium 97.6mg 8% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Contains 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 a different type of oil for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cooking oil with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the texture of the tea cakes.

What do I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky to handle, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Make sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the dough.

Can I freeze the tea cakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze the tea cakes for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

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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