Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Let me take you back in time with these Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes—a recipe passed down through generations, filled with nostalgia and warmth. These little golden cookies are simple, yet utterly delightful. Picture a soft, buttery cookie with just the right hint of vanilla and a light, crisp edge. They’re not too sweet but perfectly satisfying with a cup of tea or coffee. Think of them like the homemade treats you’d find cooling on the windowsill of your grandmother’s kitchen. Trust me, one bite and you’ll feel like you’re sitting on the porch, savoring the good old days.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Here’s why these tea cakes will become a staple in your kitchen:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples—flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a touch of vanilla—these cookies are the perfect example of how the simplest recipes can be the most delicious.
Perfectly Sweet: These tea cakes strike the perfect balance—not too sweet, just enough to satisfy your craving for something homemade.
Crisp and Buttery: The texture is light and crisp on the edges, while still soft in the middle, giving you that perfect bite every time.
Versatile: You can enjoy these tea cakes on their own, or dress them up with a little glaze or sprinkle of sugar. They’re also great for tea parties, family gatherings, or any day that calls for a comforting snack.
Nostalgic: If you’ve ever had these at a Southern gathering, you’ll know they carry with them a sense of tradition. They remind you of home, family, and the joy of sitting around the table with those you love.

Ingredients in Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these sweet, nostalgic treats:

For the Tea Cakes:

• Butter – The key to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness.
• Eggs – Help bind everything together and give the cookies a soft, delicate texture.
• Vanilla extract – For that comforting, aromatic flavor.
• All-purpose flour – The base of the cookies.
• Baking powder – To give the cookies a little lift.
• Salt – A pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Milk – To add a little moisture and smoothness to the dough.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these delightful tea cakes!

Make the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this—aim for a soft, airy texture. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is fully combined and you have a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to roll out.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out the tea cakes. Place them onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Bake the Tea Cakes

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Be careful not to overbake, as these tea cakes are best when they’re soft in the middle but crisp at the edges.

Cool and Serve

Let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

These tea cakes are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

With Tea or Coffee: Pair these tea cakes with your favorite hot beverage. The subtle sweetness is the perfect match for a rich cup of tea or a freshly brewed coffee.
Add a Glaze or Frosting: If you want to make them a little extra special, drizzle a simple glaze over the top (a mix of powdered sugar and milk) or dust them with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
Serve at Gatherings: These cookies are fantastic for potlucks, tea parties, or family gatherings. They’re easy to make in large batches, and they’ll disappear fast!

Additional Tips

Storage: Keep your tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They’re even better after a day or two!
Make Them Smaller: If you prefer bite-sized cookies, you can roll the dough into smaller balls and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Add a Twist: Feel free to mix in some lemon zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg for an added burst of flavor. You could even dip them in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls or cut out the cookies, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen for about 14-16 minutes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine as a substitute in a pinch. Just keep in mind the taste and texture may be slightly different.

Q2: How do I make these cookies thinner or thicker?
A2: If you prefer thinner tea cakes, roll the dough out thinner (about 1/8 inch). For thicker cookies, roll the dough out thicker (about ½ inch), and bake a little longer.

Q3: Can I add nuts or raisins?
A3: Absolutely! You can fold in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins for a little extra texture and flavor.

Q4: How do I make these gluten-free?
A4: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one that’s designed for baking to keep the texture light.

Q5: Can I freeze baked tea cakes?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Conclusion

These Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are the epitome of comfort food—simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are a perfect way to bring a little Southern charm into your kitchen. Their light, buttery flavor and crispy edges make them a timeless treat that’s just as delightful today as it was years ago. So grab that mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these nostalgic delights—you’ll be glad you did!

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