Grandmother's Old Time Tea Cakes
Transport your taste buds to a simpler time with Grandmother's Old Time Tea Cakes—a cherished Southern classic steeped in nostalgia and comforting flavors. These soft, lightly sweetened cookies boast a tender, cake-like texture and are perfectly balanced with hints of vanilla. Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour, this easy tea cake recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon tea. Baked to golden perfection in under 10 minutes, these delightful treats are best enjoyed plain or dusted with a touch of powdered sugar. Serve them fresh or store them for up to 5 days—though they might not last that long! Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these versatile tea cakes are the epitome of timeless homemade comfort.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Whole milk
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.
Step 6
Add the milk and gently stir to bring the dough together. Do not overmix.
Step 7
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8
Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 9
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cakes to cool on the sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10
Serve the tea cakes plain or sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (918.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3457.2 |
| Total Fat 110.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 60.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 623.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1803.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 581.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 302.3g | |
| Protein 51.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 93.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 166.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 597.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories