old fashioned tea cakes recipe

old fashioned tea cakes recipe

The Best old fashioned tea cakes recipe

I’ve been making old-fashioned tea cakes for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. These sweet treats are a staple in many American households, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of buttery flavor, tender texture, and sweet icing is a match made in heaven.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and mixing the batter. They can’t get enough of the process, and I love watching them develop their own baking skills. As for me, I appreciate the simplicity of this recipe – it’s easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients.

But what I think I love most about old-fashioned tea cakes is the nostalgia they evoke. My grandmother used to make them all the time when I was growing up, and every time I take a bite, I’m transported back to her cozy kitchen. It’s a taste of my childhood that I cherish deeply.

The best part? These tea cakes are incredibly versatile – they’re perfect for special occasions like holidays or birthday parties, but they’re also great for everyday snacking or as a sweet treat after dinner. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with just a few simple ingredients, these tea cakes are a relatively guilt-free indulgence.

Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch and stash them away for later use.

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

4.8 from 1050 votes

These old fashioned tea cakes are tender, lightly sweet drop cookies with a soft crumb and a hint of vanilla. They are a classic Southern treat perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time27 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 130 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tea Cakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup buttermilk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4Set this dry mixture aside.
5In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
7Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
8The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
9Reduce the mixer speed to low.
10Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
11Mix just until combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix.
12Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
13The dough will be slightly sticky, so you can lightly flour your hands or use a second spoon to help release it.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set but still soft to the touch.
15The centers should appear slightly puffed and pale.
16Let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
17They will firm up as they cool.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 130 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 95mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For a softer texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Store cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Tea Cakes Works

These old fashioned tea cakes are a recipe you will come back to again and again. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for later.

To reheat, just pop them in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh baked softness. I love serving these tea cakes with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or even with a glass of cold milk for the kids.

They are great on their own, but you can also dress them up with a simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for a more special occasion. Whether it is a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday afternoon, these tea cakes always fit right in.

My family asks for them all the time, and I am happy to oblige.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

1. What is the difference between old-fashioned tea cakes and traditional tea cakes?

The main difference between old-fashioned tea cakes and traditional tea cakes is the type of flour used. Old-fashioned tea cakes typically use all-purpose flour with a higher protein content, which gives them a more tender texture.

2. Can I substitute any of the ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some of the ingredients in this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For example, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.

3. How do I store old-fashioned tea cakes?

To store old-fashioned tea cakes, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make old-fashioned tea cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make old-fashioned tea cakes ahead of time by preparing the batter and letting it rest overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

5. How do I ensure my old-fashioned tea cakes turn out light and fluffy?

To ensure your old-fashioned tea cakes turn out light and fluffy, make sure to not overmix the batter and to use room temperature ingredients.

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