Why Make This Recipe
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a delightful treat that brings nostalgia and warmth to any occasion. These simple cookies are not only easy to make but also hold a special place in Southern tradition, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether for a family gathering or a quiet afternoon snack, these tea cakes are sure to please.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 3⁄4 cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until well combined.
- Knead the dough a few times on a floured board until it becomes smooth.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes, or until it is firm.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Cut the dough into your desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a short while before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
These tea cakes are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve them plain, or dust them with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness. They pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or milk. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter when entertaining guests.
How to Store Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Store any leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips to Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar for the best texture.
- Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to handle; this makes rolling easier.
- Experiment with cookie cutters of different shapes for fun themed cookies.
- You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest for a flavor twist.
Variation
Feel free to customize your tea cakes by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts. You can also drizzle icing over the cooled cookies for a sweeter treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar. This will give your cookies a richer flavor and darker color.
2. Are these cookies good for shipping?
Yes, Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes store well and can be shipped. Just ensure they are packed carefully in an airtight container.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Just check that your baking soda is also gluten-free.
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 3/4 cups white sugar Granulated sugar for sweetness
- 1 cup butter Softened for best texture
- 2 large eggs Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Leavening agent
- 1/2 teaspoon salt To balance sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg For a hint of spice
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until well combined.
- Knead the dough a few times on a floured board until it becomes smooth.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes, or until it is firm.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Cut the dough into your desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a short while before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.