Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are an elegant, flavorful treat inspired by the iconic detective and the moody, atmospheric streets of Victorian London. With a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and spice, these tea cakes are ideal for pairing with your favorite cup of tea. Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they offer a comforting bite that evokes the mystery and charm of London on a foggy day. These tea cakes make for a perfect snack, dessert, or a charming addition to your afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicate and fluffy: The soft, airy texture of these tea cakes makes them perfect for dunking in your tea or enjoying on their own.

• Warm spices: Infused with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, these tea cakes are warm and inviting, with just the right amount of spice.

• Perfect for tea time: Inspired by the Victorian era, these cakes are the perfect accompaniment to a cozy tea time, whether you’re reading a Sherlock Holmes novel or just enjoying a quiet afternoon.

• Easy to make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these tea cakes are straightforward to prepare.

• Versatile: You can enjoy them plain or with a light glaze, or even filled with jam or cream for a more indulgent treat.

Ingredients

For the tea cakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup milk

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra brightness)

For the glaze (optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 tablespoons milk

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the tea cakes:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.

4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. If using lemon zest, add it to the mixture now.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will be thick but soft.

7. Bake the tea cakes: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. A toothpick inserted into the center of a tea cake should come out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the glaze (optional):

1. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk.

2. Glaze the tea cakes: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled tea cakes using a spoon or small whisk. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or extra lemon zest on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Serve:

1. Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, your Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are ready to serve. Pair them with your favorite tea and enjoy a cozy moment.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12-16 tea cakes, depending on the size.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Baking time: 12-15 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Spiced version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of spice and complexity.

• Citrus twist: Add orange zest instead of lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.

• Jam-filled: After baking, slice the tea cakes in half and fill them with your favorite jam or fruit preserve for an extra indulgence.

• Vegan version: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: These tea cakes freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

• Reheating: If you prefer warm tea cakes, you can gently heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these tea cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked dough and bake them fresh whenever you want.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! The tea cakes are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. Feel free to leave it out for a simpler treat.

Can I add nuts to the tea cakes?

Yes, chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans would be a great addition to these tea cakes. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Can I use a different kind of flour?

Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nuttier flavor, or a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are a delightful and aromatic treat that will transport you to the charming streets of Victorian London. The soft, fluffy texture combined with warm spices and the sweet glaze makes them the perfect companion for your morning tea or afternoon break. Whether enjoyed on your own or shared with loved ones, these tea cakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.