Original Tea Cakes
Delicious, buttery tea cakes with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for teatime or casual gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture is mealy.
- Beat eggs and vanilla together.
- Knead the mixture until the dough is soft enough to roll into walnut-sized balls.
- Place the dough balls on greased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with a fork or your hand.
- Bake at 375°F until cookies start to brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before baking. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly flour your hands while rolling the balls. These tea cakes are reminiscent of Chewy Coconut Cookies, perfect for tea time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tea cakes warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful presentation. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal treat for afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside a slice of Apple Pie In A Sack. These cookies are also a great addition to a dessert platter.
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 longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warm. This method helps retain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Original Tea Cakes contains roughly 506 calories, with 10g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% 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 add flavor variations to the tea cakes?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Citrus zest from lemon or orange can also enhance the taste. For a different twist, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla. These variations can create a unique twist to your original recipe.
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).