Recipe English Tea Cakes

Are you looking to add a touch of British charm to your tea time gatherings? These delightful English Tea Cakes are the perfect treat to enjoy alongside a freshly brewed cup of tea. Light, buttery, and subtly sweet, these cakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Simple to make and elegant in presentation, they are ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy afternoon indulgence. Let’s get baking!

Recipe: English Tea Cakes

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add in the flour, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or almonds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into small round balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a decorative crisscross pattern on top.
8. Bake the tea cakes in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
9. Remove the tea cakes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the tea cakes with a sprinkle of additional confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

These English Tea Cakes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked, with a steaming pot of your favorite tea. Their delicate texture and nutty flavor make them a lovely choice for a morning or afternoon treat. You can also package them up in a decorative tin or gift box to share with loved ones or offer as a thoughtful homemade gift. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a wonderful option for both novice and experienced bakers alike. We hope these tea cakes bring a bit of British elegance to your home and enhance your tea time experience. Happy baking!