Tea Cakes – A Nostalgic Classic with a Simple, Wholesome Twist
- Regina
- Dec 14, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Tea cakes are one of those timeless recipes that seem to travel across generations, carrying with them stories of home, hospitality, and warm kitchens. Soft, lightly sweet, and delicately flavored, they sit somewhere between a cookie and a small cake—perfect for an afternoon pause with a comforting cup of tea. While many people associate tea cakes with the American South, their origins reach much farther back, rooted in European teatime traditions where dainty pastries were served to accompany early afternoon tea rituals.
As tea culture spread around the world, these little treats adapted to local ingredients and tastes. In the American South, tea cakes became a beloved staple in many homes, often made with whatever simple pantry ingredients were available. Grandmothers would bake them for family gatherings, special occasions, or just to show love to visiting guests. Their simplicity is part of their charm—no fancy techniques, no complicated flavors, just a beautifully tender bite that melts in your mouth and brings a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Today, vegetarian tea cakes preserve that same old-fashioned goodness while embracing a cleaner, plant-forward approach. By using wholesome, natural ingredients and skipping animal-derived additives, they fit perfectly into a modern vegetarian kitchen without losing any of their nostalgic appeal. They’re ideal for pairing with herbal teas, gifting to friends, or serving as a light dessert that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. The delicate crumb and soft sweetness make them especially versatile, whether enjoyed plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Whether you're baking these tea cakes for a cozy Sabbath afternoon, a brunch table, or simply to fill your home with the inviting aroma of warm spices and vanilla, this recipe is an easy and joyful addition to your baking collection. Tea cakes remind us that simple recipes often carry the most meaning—little bites of tradition that connect past and present. And with a vegetarian twist, you can enjoy all the nostalgia while staying true to clean, mindful eating.
Vegetarian Tea Cakes
Servings: 20-24
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Equipment Needed: Bowl, Cookie Cutter (optional), Baking Pan, Parchment Paper (optional), Spoon, Measuring Utensils
Ingredients:
3 Cups All Purpose Unbleached Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 3/4 Cup Cane Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Eggs
1 Cup Butter (plant-based) OR Buttah Recipe
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (non-alcoholic)
Directions:
In a medium sized bowl, cream Butter and Sugar together until smooth. Beat in Eggs one at a time.
2. Stir in the Vanilla Extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Cardamom, mixing ingredients thoroughly.
4. Add Dry Ingredients (Flour, etc.) into creamed mixture and it will form into dough.
5. Knead the dough for a few minutes on a floured area until smooth.
6. Cover with plastic wrap until firm (couple hours).
7. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.
9. Place Cookies 1 1/2 inches apart on Cookie Sheet and bake for 8-10 Minutes.
10. Allow Tea Cakes to cool for 5 Minutes before removing.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Tea Cakes
Servings: 20-24
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Equipment Needed: Bowl, Cookie Cutter (optional), Baking Pan, Parchment Paper (optional), Spoon, Measuring Utensils
Ingredients:
3 Cups All Purpose Unbleached Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 3/4 Cup Cane Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Eggs
1 Cup Butter (plant-based) OR Buttah Recipe
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (non-alcoholic)
Directions:
1. In a medium sized bowl, cream Butter and Sugar together until smooth. Beat in Eggs one at a time.
2. Stir in the Vanilla Extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Cardamom, mixing ingredients thoroughly.
4. Add Dry Ingredients (Flour etc) into creamed mixture and it will form into dough.
5. Knead the dough for a few minutes on a floured area until smooth.
6. Cover with plastic wrap until firm (couple hours).
7. Pre-heat oven to 325o.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into ¼ inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.
9. Place Cookies 1 ½ inches apart on cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 Minutes.
10. Allow Tea Cakes to cool for 5 Minutes before removing.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
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