Silver Tea Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Silver Tea Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a hint of orange and almond flavoring, perfect for tea time or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy citrus and nutty notes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange rind

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.
  2. Add egg and almond flavoring, then beat well.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, and soda.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, then incorporate orange juice and grated orange rind.
  5. Mix until a stiff dough forms. Shape the dough into a roll.
  6. Wrap the roll in wax paper and chill thoroughly.
  7. Slice the chilled dough into cookies.
  8. Place slices on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also experiment with different extracts like vanilla or lemon if you prefer. If you don't have orange juice, a splash of milk or water can work in a pinch. Ensure your dough is well-chilled for clean slicing to maintain the shape of the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These Silver Tea Cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a warm cup of tea. They also pair beautifully with Granny'S Homemade Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Consider arranging them on a platter with fresh fruit or nuts for a more festive presentation, perfect for gatherings or afternoon tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Silver Tea Cookies contains roughly 194 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.

194 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 5.9g 8% DV
Carbs 31.6g 11% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 110.8mg 5% DV
Potassium 87.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 25.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 28.9mg 2% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for proper texture. The cookies may turn out slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough. You can also increase the amount of grated orange rind for a more pronounced citrus flavor. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg could also add a delightful twist.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and your hands while shaping the dough. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to slice into cookies.

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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