Swedish Tea Cake
Delightful Swedish Tea Cake cookies with a tender almond flavor, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for teatime gatherings or as a sweet treat for almond lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup powdered sugar, margarine, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt until dough holds together.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until set but not brown.
- Immediately remove from cookie sheets.
- Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the ground almonds before adding them to the dough. If you don't have ground almonds, finely chopped hazelnuts or walnuts can be a great substitute. Ensure your margarine is at room temperature for easier mixing. If the dough seems too crumbly, a teaspoon of milk can help it come together without altering the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Swedish Tea Cakes are perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Tutti Fruity Fruit Cocktail or Spooky Hand Treat for a fun gathering. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled Swedish Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, allowing them to regain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Tea Cake contains roughly 1311 calories, with 25g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 519mg per serving (23% 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 butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. Just ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. The flavor will be richer, and the texture may be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious results.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to shape into balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can dust your hands with a little flour while shaping the balls to prevent sticking.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Swedish Tea Cakes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the structure. The flavor will remain delightful!
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).