Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are the perfect blend of simplicity and nostalgia. With a rich, buttery dough and a hint of nutmeg, these soft cookies evoke the warmth of homemade treats passed down through generations.
These cookies are best enjoyed a day or two after baking, when their flavors have had time to fully develop. The dough can easily be customized by swapping vanilla for almond or lemon extract to suit your preferences.
A fun touch for special occasions, these tea cakes can also be colored with food coloring to add a festive flair. Whether for a family gathering or afternoon tea, these cookies will never disappoint.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes – Ingredients
Sugar brings a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the dough, forming the perfect foundation for these soft, melt-in-your-mouth tea cakes.
Butter contributes to the tender texture, enriching each bite with a subtle, creamy flavor.
Eggs bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure, ensuring a soft, light crumb.
Vanilla Extract adds a comforting, aromatic essence, enhancing the overall flavor with its warm, familiar notes.
Flour is the backbone of the dough, providing the structure that holds these cookies together while creating a tender bite.
Nutmeg offers a gentle spice, rounding out the flavor profile with a hint of warmth and depth.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes – Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough
To achieve the perfect texture, it’s essential to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make the dough easier to handle and ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking. The cooler dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in beautifully formed tea cakes with soft, chewy centers. - Customize Flavors
While vanilla extract is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon. Almond extract adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery dough, while lemon extract gives the cookies a refreshing citrus twist. Don’t forget to add a dash of zest for extra flavor! - Don’t Over-Bake
The secret to perfectly soft and tender tea cakes lies in not over-baking them. Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. The edges should be just golden and the centers soft. Overbaking will lead to a drier texture, so be sure to remove the cookies from the oven promptly when done.
What to Serve with Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
- Afternoon Tea
These tea cakes are a natural pairing for an afternoon tea. Serve them alongside a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea to complement the soft, delicate sweetness of the cookies. The subtle spice of nutmeg enhances the aromatic flavors of the tea, making it the perfect snack for a cozy afternoon break. - Fresh Fruit Salad
For a light and refreshing side, serve Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes with a fresh fruit salad. Choose a mix of seasonal fruits like berries, oranges, and apples to add a juicy contrast to the rich, buttery cookies. The freshness of the fruit will balance the sweetness and make for a well-rounded treat. - Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream
If you want to elevate the experience, serve the tea cakes with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or clotted cream. The richness of the cream complements the cookies’ lightness, creating a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re simply craving something indulgent.
FAQ – Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
1. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes! These cookies taste best when made one to two days in advance. Storing them in an airtight container allows the flavors to meld and enhances their soft, chewy texture.
2. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! If you want to prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let the dough thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting the cookies.
3. How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out?
To prevent sticking, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. You can also roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to keep it from sticking while maintaining a clean work area.
4. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! You can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for special occasions. This is a fun way to customize the cookies for holidays, birthdays, or celebrations, adding a pop of color to the soft, golden tea cakes.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Begin by beating the sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are well combined, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring until fully combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few turns until it becomes smooth and uniform in texture.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate it for approximately 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Roll the dough out to a thickness of about ¼ inch on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough, and place the cut cookies about 1 ½ inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
