Old Fashioned Tea Cakes Recipe
Overview
Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are a nostalgic treat passed down through generations, cherished for their simplicity and comforting flavor. This recipe, lovingly handed down from grandmother to mother to child, evokes memories of warmth and home. With a prep time of 15 minutes and a total cook time of 15 minutes, these cookies can be ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for a quick baking session that yields approximately 6 dozen delightful tea cakes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Shortening |
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1/2 cup | Buttermilk |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 4 cups | Flour |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to recreate these beloved Old Fashioned Tea Cakes:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare greased cookie sheets.
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Cream together the shortening, sugar, and eggs in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Stir in the baking powder.
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Dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk, then add it to the creamed mixture.
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Mix in the salt and vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
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Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the greased cookie sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
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Press each dough ball lightly with a damp cloth wrapped around the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tea cakes are golden brown.
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Cool the tea cakes on wire racks.
Serving and Storage
These Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although they are likely to disappear much sooner!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 898.1
- Fat Content: 36.8g
- Saturated Fat: 9.3g
- Cholesterol: 71.3mg
- Sodium: 704.4mg
- Carbohydrate: 131.6g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 68g
- Protein: 11.4g
Tips and Variations
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Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
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Flavor Enhancements: Add a hint of lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a subtle twist on the classic flavor.
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Storage: To keep the tea cakes fresh longer, consider placing a slice of bread in the container with them; the bread helps maintain moisture.
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Freezing: These tea cakes freeze well. Once cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be thawed at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a connection to cherished memories and family traditions. With their straightforward recipe and delightful taste, they continue to bring comfort and joy to those who bake and enjoy them. Whether it’s for an afternoon snack or a special occasion, these tea cakes are sure to become a beloved treat in your home as well. Treat yourself to a batch today and savor the sweet nostalgia of homemade goodness! 🍪
