Granny’s Tea Cakes are a beloved classic in the realm of homemade desserts, perfect for any occasion where a touch of nostalgic sweetness is needed. These delightful treats, originating from cherished family recipes passed down through generations, embody the essence of comforting homemade goodness. With a preparation time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, including both active preparation and baking time, they are ideal for baking sessions that yield plenty of cookies to share or savor slowly over a cup of tea.
Ingredients
To recreate Granny’s Tea Cakes, gather the following ingredients:
- Shortening: 1 cup
- Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (plus extra for sprinkling, if desired)
- Eggs: 3 large
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening until smooth using an electric mixer set at medium speed.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of sugar to the shortening, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Incorporate Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Alternate Mixing:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix well after each addition until the dough is thoroughly combined and smooth.
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Add Flavor:
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of the dough.
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Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling period helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
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Preheat and Shape:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
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Cut and Arrange:
- Using a 2 3/4 inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds of dough and place them on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the tea cakes in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
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Optional Finishing Touch:
- For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle the tops of the tea cakes with a bit of sugar immediately after removing them from the oven, if desired.
Serving and Storage
Once baked and cooled, Granny’s Tea Cakes are ready to be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or simply as a delightful snack any time of day. These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, maintaining their tender texture and delicious flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 105.3
- Fat: 4.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 13.3mg
- Sodium: 71.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.3g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 6.4g
- Protein: 1.5g
Recipe Notes
Granny’s Tea Cakes are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a journey into the heart of traditional baking. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, making it convenient for planning ahead or preparing for special occasions. Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes or decorations to suit various themes or seasons, adding a personal touch to these already delightful cookies.
Whether you’re baking these for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply to enjoy a moment of homemade bliss, Granny’s Tea Cakes are sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. With their buttery richness and delicate sweetness, they capture the essence of homemade goodness in every bite, inviting you to savor the simple pleasures of life one cookie at a time.
