Introducing a classic treat that’s sure to evoke memories of yesteryears and bring comfort with every bite – Old Timey Tea Cakes! These delightful cookies, originating from the European culinary tradition, are beloved for their simplicity, soft texture, and timeless appeal. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, as a sweet snack, or as a delightful dessert, these Old Timey Tea Cakes are a true testament to the joy of homemade baking.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: Approximately 5 dozen teacakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup margarine
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Cream Margarine and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until well combined. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your tea cakes.
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Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. The eggs not only provide structure but also richness to the cookies.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients, ensuring a tender crumb in the finished tea cakes.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, along with the vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated, forming a smooth cookie dough.
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Form Teacakes: Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a greased cookie sheet. Leave enough space between each teacake to allow for spreading during baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tea cakes until they are lightly golden brown and set, about 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
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Cool and Store: Once baked, remove the tea cakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store the tea cakes in an airtight container or tin to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 866.2
- Total Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 8.3g
- Cholesterol: 74.4mg
- Sodium: 712.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 118.3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 60.5g
- Protein: 10.7g
Recipe Notes:
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe, though traditional recipes often use margarine.
- Feel free to customize your Old Timey Tea Cakes by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even lemon zest to the dough for a subtle flavor twist.
- These tea cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for several days in an airtight container. If they become slightly stale, try warming them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to revive their freshness.
- This recipe yields approximately 5 dozen tea cakes, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or for storing some for later enjoyment.
