There’s a certain magic in a homemade cookie, isn’t there? For me, it takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, the comforting scent of vanilla and butter lingering in the air. She often made these simple, tender treats, and now, as a mom of three, I cherish sharing this tradition with my own children.
These little circles of joy represent everything I believe about food: it’s love, it’s connection, and it doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious. This particular Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe captures that very essence. It’s a testament to the fact that the simplest ingredients often yield the most profound flavors and memories.
I watch my kids’ faces light up, just like mine used to, with each soft, buttery bite. Baking these Southern tea cakes isn’t just about making a snack; it’s about weaving a thread through generations, creating those precious moments around the kitchen table. These tea cake cookies are a beloved Southern classic, offering a taste of history and heartfelt hospitality in every crumb. You’ll find this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe brings pure comfort to your home.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
You truly will adore this easy Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe. First, its simplicity stands out. You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now.
This means less stress and more baking joy, perfect for busy parents. Second, the flavor profile hits all the right notes: it’s buttery, subtly sweet, and wonderfully comforting. These tea cake cookies are not overly rich, making them an ideal treat any time of day.
They remind you of a simpler time, a taste of genuine Southern hospitality. Furthermore, this classic Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is incredibly versatile. Enjoy them plain, or dress them up with a light glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.
They offer that perfect balance between a cookie and a small cake, hence the name “tea cake.” My kids beg for these tea cakes, and honestly, so do I. This recipe provides a fantastic opportunity to involve little hands in the kitchen, teaching them the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. The soft texture and delicate flavor make these simple tea cake cookies utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is simple. You likely have most of these staples readily available in your kitchen. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results; it truly makes a difference in the final taste of these beloved Southern tea cakes. Remember, cooking is love, and using good ingredients reflects that.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Whole milk | ¼ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting | As desired |
Substitutions & Variations
This traditional Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily make a few tweaks to suit dietary needs or simply experiment with new flavors. First, for a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
Many brands work beautifully, maintaining the soft texture of these tea cake cookies. If dairy is an issue, substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use an unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. This simple swap allows everyone to enjoy our Southern tea cakes.
Next, consider flavor variations. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist. The zesty notes perfectly complement the buttery base of this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe.
A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon also adds a warm, comforting spice, especially lovely during cooler months. For a slightly richer cookie, stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips; my kids absolutely love this addition. You can also experiment with different extracts.
Almond extract, in place of or in addition to vanilla, offers a sophisticated flavor profile to these classic tea cake cookies. Simply use ½ teaspoon of almond extract. For a touch of glaze, whisk powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk and a drop of vanilla, then drizzle over cooled cookies. These simple tea cake cookies truly embrace creativity in the kitchen.
If you’re looking to add a rich twist to your baking repertoire, try our Classic Cream Cheese Cake: Silky, Rich & Southern Perfect!. This delightful cake pairs beautifully with your Southern Tea Cake Cookies and will surely impress your family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking these delightful Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these clear steps, and you’ll have warm, delicious tea cakes ready to enjoy in no time. Always preheat your oven first; it ensures even baking for our Southern tea cakes.
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze for this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. Mixing dry ingredients thoroughly now ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, contributing to the soft texture of these tea cake cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything combines thoroughly.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can make the Southern tea cakes tough.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can gently flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon if you prefer a thinner cookie, or leave them as mounds for a puffier tea cake.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The exact time depends on your oven and the size of your cookies. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft, not crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the rack prevents the bottoms from getting soggy. Enjoy your delicious Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Southern tea cakes is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will elevate your Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe from good to absolutely amazing. First, always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature.
Room temperature ingredients cream together more smoothly, creating a more uniform dough and a tenderer cookie. This simple step truly impacts the texture of your tea cake cookies.
Second, do not overmix the dough. Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy cookies instead of the delicate, soft texture characteristic of our Southern tea cakes.
Third, resist the urge to overbake. Southern tea cakes are meant to be soft and slightly chewy, not crispy. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden and the centers look set but still soft.
They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Fourth, use parchment paper on your baking sheets. It prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze for this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe.
Finally, for beautifully uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop. This ensures consistent size, which leads to consistent baking times. Your delicious Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe deserves these extra steps for perfection.
For a refreshing drink to accompany your cookies, consider the Natural Zepbound Recipe – DIY Drink for Weight Management. This drink complements the buttery goodness of your Southern Tea Cake Cookies perfectly, making snack time even more enjoyable.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Properly storing your delicious Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe ensures they stay fresh and tender for as long as possible. First, always allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. Storing warm cookies creates condensation, which makes them soggy.
Once fully cooled, place the Southern tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and soft texture for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft.
If you need to store them longer, these tea cake cookies freeze beautifully. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the frozen tea cakes at room temperature. You can also gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that freshly baked warmth and aroma. This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe remains a delightful treat whether fresh or from the freezer.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These classic Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and light accompaniments. Naturally, with “tea cake” in their name, a hot cup of tea is the quintessential pairing. Whether it’s a soothing black tea, a fragrant herbal blend, or a refreshing iced tea, it creates a perfect moment of calm.
A glass of cold milk is another absolute winner, especially for the kids (and for the kid in all of us!). The creamy milk perfectly complements the buttery tenderness of these tea cake cookies. A hot cup of coffee also makes a fantastic partner for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
For a simple dessert, serve these Southern tea cakes alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast in temperatures and textures is delightful. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad also offer a light, refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies.
Imagine a warm summer evening, a plate of our Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe, and a tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. Pure bliss!
To complement your tea cake experience, explore our recipe for Olympic Chocolate Muffins Recipe That Delivers Big Flavor. Pairing these muffins with your Southern Tea Cake Cookies will expand your dessert horizons while keeping that cozy Southern charm.
FAQs
What exactly are Southern Tea Cakes?
Southern tea cakes are a traditional Southern treat, a cross between a cookie and a small cake. They boast a soft, tender, and slightly chewy texture with a rich buttery flavor. They are typically simply sweetened and often served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them a staple for afternoon tea or as a simple dessert.
Are these tea cake cookies crispy or soft?
This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe yields a distinctively soft, tender, and somewhat chewy cookie. They are definitely not meant to be crispy or crunchy. The goal is a delicate, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth, which is a hallmark of authentic Southern tea cakes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe ahead of time. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking. This makes our Southern tea cakes perfect for meal prepping.
How long do these Southern Tea Cake Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these tea cake cookies stay fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Always ensure they are completely cool before storing to maintain their best quality.
What makes them “Southern”?
The “Southern” aspect of this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe comes from its historical roots as a popular, simple, and comforting treat served in Southern homes for generations. They embody the region’s culinary tradition of using basic pantry ingredients to create something truly delicious and heartwarming, reflecting hospitality and home baking.
Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a traditional dessert that highlights the warmth and hospitality of Southern culture. These cookies, often enjoyed with tea, embody simplicity and comfort, making them a cherished treat in many households, as noted in this conversation about cookies.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This nutrition information for our Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is an estimate based on approximately 24 servings per batch. Actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 13 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
These Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a classic Southern treat, known for their soft, tender texture and buttery flavor. They represent a tradition of home baking, making delightful snacks perfect for sharing with loved ones.
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
1 cup Granulated sugar
½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
2 Large eggs
¼ cup Whole milk
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
½ teaspoon Salt
Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set
- Allow to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
You can add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for extra flavor.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg