Why Make This Recipe

Mama’s Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a delightful treat that bring a touch of home to any gathering. These cookies are soft, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. They remind many of family gatherings and warm memories from childhood. If you want to share a little piece of tradition with your loved ones, this recipe is the way to go.

How to Make Mama’s Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2–3 tablespoons buttermilk

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough is soft but not sticky.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1⁄4 inch thick.
Cut into rounds with a cookie cutter or a glass, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze in layers with parchment between for up to 3 months.

How to Serve Mama’s Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

These tea cakes are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make great snacks for kids or a sweet addition to a potluck. You can even dress them up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a special touch.

How to Store Mama’s Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

To keep your tea cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in layers with parchment paper between each layer. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them on the counter when you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Mama’s Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the dough; stop once everything is just combined.
Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes for special occasions.
Experiment with different flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.

Variation

You can add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist or mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different flavor. Feel free to get creative with the recipes!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may change the texture slightly.

Can I make these tea cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them ahead and store them as mentioned above.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.