Party Cookies Or Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Old fashioned party cookies with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for festive gatherings or teatime treats, customizable with colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and sugar together with a spoon.
- Beat well until mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add milk, egg, and vanilla to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Stir in the self-rising flour until fully incorporated.
- Place the dough on a piece of wax paper, roll it up, and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled dough and place on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake until cookies are browned, about 12-15 minutes.
- Before baking, sprinkle candies or sprinkles on top for decoration.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the shortening is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you're out of self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour with 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. You can also substitute half of the shortening with butter for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a glass of cold Sippy Soda for a nostalgic treat. Consider serving them alongside a light Windsor Salad for a balanced snack. For a festive touch, you can arrange them on a platter with colorful sprinkles and candies to appeal to guests at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Cookies Or Old Fashioned Tea Cakes contains roughly 161 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 5g 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 fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will give your cookies a different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference. Butter will add richness, while coconut oil will give a subtle flavor.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the dough for added texture and flavor. A teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest can also enhance the flavor profile and make your cookies unique.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider using seasonal sprinkles or colored sugars to decorate the tops before baking. You can also sandwich two cookies with frosting or jam for a fun treat. These variations make them perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
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).