Delicious tea cakes: easy recipes to enjoy at home

Ingredients for Tea cakes

• 360 g plain flour, plus more for the work surface

• 5 ml baking powder

• 1 g baking soda

• 3 g salt

• 1 g ground nutmeg (or freshly grated)

• 113 g butter, at room temperature

• 200 g caster sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 60 ml soured milk (or buttermilk)

• 5 ml vanilla extract

• Demerara sugar, for sprinkling

How to make Tea cakes

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and nutmeg.

2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again, then beat in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture, beating just until smooth and well blended.

5. Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disc. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate until chilled and slightly firm, for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight.

6. Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan 170°C). Line baking trays with baking parchment.

7. On a lightly floured surface, working with one portion at a time, roll the dough to a thickness of 6 mm. Cut out rounds using a floured 4 cm biscuit cutter. Gather the scraps, reroll, and cut out more rounds.

8. Sprinkle the rounds lightly with demerara sugar. Transfer the tea cakes to the baking trays, spacing them about 2.5 cm apart.

9. Bake the tea cakes until lightly browned, for 8–10 minutes. Cool on the trays for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Store the tea cakes in an airtight container, where they will keep for about 2 weeks.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.