Sugar Cookies Or "Tea Cakes"
Sweet and buttery sugar cookies with a crisp exterior and tender interior, perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter or margarine, sugar, vanilla, and eggs together.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Blend well to form a smooth dough.
- Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes or until hard.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist. If you want to add a bit of zest, try incorporating lemon or orange zest into the dough. To ensure even baking, keep an eye on the cookies as they approach the 8-minute mark, as ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple icing glaze. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a pleasant afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with Perfect Punch for a festive gathering, making them an excellent choice for celebrations or holiday cookie trays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in a microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Cookies Or "Tea Cakes" contains roughly 856 calories, with 18g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1183mg per serving (51% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the wrapped dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it for a longer period or adding a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember that humidity can affect the texture, so adjusting flour accordingly can help achieve the perfect dough.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can personalize your sugar cookies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. For a fun twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar slightly if you're adding sweet mix-ins to maintain the desired sweetness.
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).