Soft Tea Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

Soft Tea Cakes are tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for teatime or casual gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy simple, sweet treats.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks oleo
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream together oleo and sugar.
  2. Add eggs, flour, soda, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix well.
  3. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet.
  4. Bake at 375°F for approximately 8 minutes.
  5. Cool and store in a tightly covered container.

Tips & Substitutions

For softer tea cakes, ensure that your oleo is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. If your dough is too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help with shaping.

Serving Suggestions

These soft tea cakes are delightful when served with a cup of tea or coffee. For a twist, try pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter, especially alongside treats like Pumpkinetts or Mom's Bohemian Cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soft Tea Cakes contains roughly 616 calories, with 2g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

616 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 47.5g 17% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 22.8g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 508.1mg 22% DV
Potassium 497.6mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 1.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1mcg
Vitamin C 32.7mg 36% DV
Calcium 308.5mg 24% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
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 whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?

Yes, you can use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks. This will result in a slightly different texture, making the cakes a bit denser but still delicious. Just remember to adjust baking time if you notice they are taking longer than the original recipe suggests.

What can I do if my dough seems too dry?

If your dough appears too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. You might also want to check if you measured your flour correctly, as too much flour can lead to dryness.

How can I add more flavor to my tea cakes?

To enhance the flavor of your tea cakes, consider adding citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the batter. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Spices such as cinnamon or cardamom can elevate the taste even further.

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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