Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Southern tea cakes are a classic, buttery cookie with a soft, cake-like texture. They’re lightly sweetened, perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. This old-fashioned treat is a nostalgic favorite in the South, loved for its simplicity and comforting flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 tea cakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a hint of warmth)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape: Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball, and flatten it slightly with your fingers. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake; they should remain soft and cake-like.
- Cool: Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a slightly crispier texture, bake for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Nutmeg adds a subtle, warm spice, but you can skip it for a more traditional flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Find it online: https://recipe.newsvks.com/old-fashioned-southern-tea-cakes/