Surprise Tea Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Delightful surprise tea cakes featuring tender cookies filled with chocolate kisses, coated in powdered sugar, perfect for sweet gatherings or teatime indulgence.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/3 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts
  • Powdered sugar (to sprinkle)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, soften the butter.
  2. Add vanilla, egg, and powdered sugar, then beat until light and fluffy.
  3. Blend in flour and chopped nuts.
  4. Shape the dough into balls about the size of a walnut around each chocolate kiss.
  5. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a 325°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Ensure they are cooked through but not browned or doughy.
  7. While warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
  8. Cookies can be frozen for later use.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nut-free version, you can substitute the chopped nuts with additional flour or oats. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you want to add a twist, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor. These cookies are similar in spirit to Moma'S Cookies, providing a delightful surprise with each bite.

Serving Suggestions

These Surprise Tea Cakes are perfect for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert after dinner. They pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a light dessert like Strawberry Cool for a refreshing contrast. They also make a charming addition to holiday cookie platters.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Surprise Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up slightly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Surprise Tea Cakes contains roughly 189 calories, with 1g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.

189 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 6.3g 8% DV
Carbs 32.9g 12% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 22.9g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 28.6mg 1% DV
Potassium 69.8mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 40.8mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 24mg 2% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe. Just ensure it's a stick variety for the best results. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious cookies.

What type of nuts work best in this recipe?

Chopped walnuts or pecans are excellent choices for this recipe due to their flavor and texture. However, feel free to use your favorite nuts or even seeds if you prefer a nut-free option.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

Cookies are done when they are firm to the touch but not browned. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overcook, as they should have a pale golden color.

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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