Description
A classic Southern treat, these Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and have been enjoyed for generations. The simplicity and nostalgia of this recipe make it a favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (if needed to bring dough together)
- Additional sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it comes together into a soft dough.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each tea cake before baking for a light, sweet crunch on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the tea cakes are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can become dry.
- Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve with your favorite tea or coffee and enjoy!
Notes
- Tea cakes are meant to be soft and tender, not crisp, so be careful not to overbake them.
- For a bit of variation, you can add a small amount of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
- These cookies can also be flavored with a bit of ground nutmeg or cinnamon if you prefer a spiced version.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to keep them longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tea cake
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg