Tea Cookies
Tea cookies are the perfect treat to accompany your afternoon cup of tea. With their delicate sweetness and buttery texture, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They are wonderfully versatile, allowing you to pair them with various types of tea or coffee. Plus, they make for an inviting snack during gatherings or a delightful surprise for a loved one. Let’s dive into the world of tea cookies and learn how to create these delicious bites of bliss!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Once you take your first bite of these tea cookies, you’ll understand why they are so beloved. The combination of unsalted butter and powdered sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is irresistible. The chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall texture. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Plus, the subtle hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile, ensuring that these cookies are anything but ordinary. You’ll find yourself whipping up batch after batch, whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion.
What You’ll Need
To make these delightful tea cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise measurements.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of your bowl.
- Baking sheet: Where the cookies will bake to perfection.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack: To let your cookies cool down after baking.
Cook Tea Cookies Like This
Now let’s get to the fun part—making these delicious tea cookies! Follow these steps for a successful bake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients throughout the batter.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, dust the tops with extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
If you’re looking to make your tea cookies a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider these tweaks:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use coconut sugar in place of powdered sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost without extra calories.
- Use chopped almonds instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Cook’s Commentary
These tea cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, to find your favorite flavor combination. You can also swap out the walnuts for dried fruits like cranberries or raisins if you prefer a chewy texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Remember, the key to great cookies is to not overmix the dough; this will keep them light and tender.
Make-Ahead & Storage
If you want to prepare these tea cookies ahead of time, the dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before chilling. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as instructed.
For storage, keep the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Ask & Learn
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick to unsalted for this recipe. This allows you to control the amount of salt in your cookies, ensuring a balanced flavor.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, feel free to use any other nut like pecans, almonds, or even seeds like sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips would make a delicious addition to the cookies. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors; you might want to reduce the sugar slightly if you add sweet chocolate chips.
How should I serve these tea cookies?
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them at a tea party or as a sweet snack during a cozy gathering with friends.
Bring It Home
Now that you have the recipe for these delightful tea cookies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! As you mix, shape, and bake, imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen and the joy of sharing these treats with family and friends. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or savored on their own, these tea cookies are sure to bring a little sweetness to your day. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a batch of these irresistible cookies that will surely become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!
Tea Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts with a spatula.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and dust with extra powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Experiment with different nuts, like pecans or almonds.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
