Polly Olson'S Tea Cookies(Polly Was Pastry Chef At Oviedo Inn, Oviedo, Florida)
Polly Olson's Tea Cookies are delicate, aromatic treats with a rich buttery flavor enhanced by nutmeg and vanilla. Their crisp texture and sweet, spiced aroma make them perfect for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy classic, flavorful cookies with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream margarine and sugar together.
- Add vanilla flavoring and flour; mix well.
- Add baking soda and a pinch of salt; mix well.
- Add ground nutmeg and eggs; mix on medium speed until blended.
- Pour out the dough onto a well-floured table or board.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Roll out each half into strips about 2 inches thick.
- Chill the strips for about 2 hours.
- Cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and place on lightly greased cookie sheets.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven until light brown.
- Let cool before removing from the cookie sheet.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. Ensure your margarine is softened but not melted for easier creaming with sugar. If you prefer a different spice, consider replacing nutmeg with cinnamon or ginger. For even more variety, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful pairing. They also make a charming addition to a cookie platter with other treats, such as Powdered Sugar Balls or Lavender Cookies, for a variety of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, separated by parchment paper, and they can last up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until just soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polly Olson'S Tea Cookies(Polly Was Pastry Chef At Oviedo Inn, Oviedo, Florida) contains roughly 186 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use all-purpose gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour as an alternative to plain flour. However, the texture may vary slightly, so you might need to adjust the amount of flour used. Start with the same amount and add more if the dough seems too sticky.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Alternatively, chill the dough for a bit longer, as this can help firm it up and make it easier to handle.
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor. Just be aware that this may alter the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.
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).