Tea Cakes
Tea cakes are delicate, buttery cookies with a subtle sweetness and crisp texture, perfect for teatime or gatherings. Their simple ingredients and light flavor make them a versatile treat for all ages, pairing well with tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Dissolve baking soda in vinegar and add to the mixture along with salt.
- Gradually add flour to make a stiff batter.
- Roll the dough thin and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute half of the plain flour with cake flour. For a fun twist, you can add lemon zest or almond extract for additional flavor. Make sure the dough is not too thick when rolling to ensure even baking.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are perfect for an afternoon tea or as a light dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful pairing. For a festive touch, consider drizzling them with Hershey'S Hot Fudge Sauce or dusting with powdered sugar. They also pair beautifully with Sky High Lemon Pie for a flavorful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you'd like to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tea Cakes contains roughly 33 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 0g 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, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. Keep in mind that margarine has a higher water content, which may slightly alter the texture of the tea cakes. For the best results, use a stick margarine that is suitable for baking.
How do I know when the tea cakes are done baking?
The tea cakes are done when they are lightly browned around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the dough.
Can I add flavors or toppings to these tea cakes?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. For toppings, consider icing with a simple glaze or sprinkling with chocolate chips or nuts before baking for added texture and taste.
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).