Imagine a cookie so delicate and tender that it practically dissolves on your tongue, bringing back memories of cozy afternoons in Grandma's kitchen. These vintage American tea cookies are more than just a sweet treat – they're a nostalgic journey wrapped in buttery, powdery perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate a timeless classic that has been delighting families for generations.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
- Pour in vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to ensure no lumps remain.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingertips to create a slight indentation.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired, and store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted – this is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture.
- Sifting the dry ingredients prevents lumps and ensures a smoother, more consistent dough.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Use a light touch when flattening the cookies to maintain their delicate structure.
- Watch the baking time carefully – these cookies should be just barely golden at the edges.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 91kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
