Tea Cakes Or Granny'S Sugar Cookies
Deliciously simple sugar cookies with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for tea time, parties, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar.
- Blend in 1 medium whole egg.
- Sift together salt, baking powder, and sifted flour.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
- Roll the dough into balls and pat them onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to give the cookies a unique twist. Adjust baking time based on your oven's performance, as some may bake faster than others.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. They also pair beautifully with Traditional Sweet Potato Pie for a dessert spread. Consider adding a platter of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tea Cakes Or Granny'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 207 calories, with 0g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 20g fat.
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. However, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. For the best results, choose a high-quality margarine that has a similar fat content to butter.
What can I add to the cookies for extra flavor?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture. About a cup of your choice of addition should work well without affecting the overall balance of the recipe.
How can I make these cookies softer or crunchier?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them or add a bit more flour. For crunchier cookies, bake them a little longer until the edges are golden brown. Adjusting the baking time will help you achieve your desired texture.
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).