Tea cakes are a classic and traditional dessert that have been enjoyed for generations. These sweet treats are perfect for serving at tea parties or as an afternoon snack. They are also incredibly easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will share a step-by-step guide for making delicious tea cakes at home.
Ingredients
To make tea cakes, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
Follow these steps to make delicious tea cakes:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare your ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the tea cakes
Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto the sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cake. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cakes are light golden brown.
Step 5: Let the tea cakes cool
Remove the tea cakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutrition information for a serving of tea cakes:
Calories: 200
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 3g
Tips for Making Perfect Tea Cakes
Tip 1: Use room temperature ingredients
Using room temperature ingredients will help your tea cakes bake more evenly and achieve the right texture.
Tip 2: Don't overmix the batter
Overmixing the batter can cause your tea cakes to be tough and dry. Mix the batter until just combined.
Tip 3: Use a cookie scoop
Using a cookie scoop will help ensure that your tea cakes are all the same size and bake evenly.
Tip 4: Let the tea cakes cool before serving
Letting the tea cakes cool on a wire rack before serving will help them retain their shape and texture.
Variations
There are many ways to customize tea cakes to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
Variation 1: Add citrus zest
Adding lemon or orange zest to the batter will add a bright, citrusy flavor to your tea cakes.
Variation 2: Add spices
Adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to the batter will give your tea cakes a warm, cozy flavor.
Variation 3: Add dried fruit or nuts
Adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped nuts to the batter will add texture and flavor to your tea cakes.
Conclusion
Tea cakes are a classic and delicious dessert that are perfect for any occasion. With this simple recipe and a few tips, you can make perfect tea cakes at home. Try experimenting with different flavors and variations to make these sweet treats your own.