Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Name: Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt

60 min 24 cookies Easy

All Recipes

Delight in the nostalgic taste of old fashioned tea cakes, a perfect blend of tender sweetness and buttery goodness for your afternoon tea.

Prep

20 min

Cook

10 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Grandma's old fashioned tea cakes bring back the warm memories of childhood afternoons spent in the kitchen. These simple yet delightful treats are a staple in many Canadian homes, offering a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. This version stays true to the traditional recipe, using basic pantry ingredients to create a cookie that is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for those who crave a taste of nostalgia or want to introduce the classic flavours to the next generation.

Instructions

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Pro tip: Beat for about 2-3 minutes for the best texture.

Add wet ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Pro tip: Ensure the egg is at room temperature to avoid curdling.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Mix dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Pro tip: Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Chill dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Chilled dough is easier to roll and cut.

Roll and cut

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.

Pro tip: Use a cookie cutter for even shapes.

Bake

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on them; they bake quickly.

Cool cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips & Tricks

Chill the dough to make it easier to handle and roll out.
Use a ruler to ensure even thickness for uniform baking.
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Grandma's old fashioned tea cakes?

They are traditional cookies with a tender crumb and buttery sweetness, often enjoyed with tea.

How many calories are in Grandma's tea cakes?

Each tea cake contains approximately 80 calories.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to two months. Thaw before rolling and baking.

How do I store these tea cakes?

Store them in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.

What is the best way to serve tea cakes?

Serve them with tea or coffee, or with a side of jam or lemon curd.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tea cakes with a pot of your favourite tea or coffee for a truly comforting experience. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of lemon curd or jam. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dough and freeze it for up to two months. Simply thaw, roll out, and bake whenever the craving strikes. Store baked tea cakes in an airtight container for up to a week.