Heartwarming Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe: A Classic Joy

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these delightful southern tea cake cookies that remind me of lazy afternoons at grandma’s kitchen.

Soft and crumbly, these traditional treats carry whispers of nostalgia in every delicate bite.

Humble ingredients come together like magic, creating something truly special.

Southern bakers have perfected this recipe through generations of love and careful technique.

My grandmother would smile knowing how her simple recipe continues to delight folks today.

Light powdered sugar dusting gives these cookies an elegant touch that makes them perfect for afternoon snacks or elegant gatherings.

Trust me, you want to experience the comfort baked into every single morsel.

Southern Tea Cake Cookies That Warm the Heart

• Enjoy effortless baking with these delightful tea cake cookies that capture the essence of homemade comfort.
• Whip up these cookies in under an hour, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master confidently.
• Create delicious memories by baking these nostalgic cookies that bring generations together, perfect for sharing during afternoon tea or family gatherings.
• Customize these tea cakes by cutting into different shapes, adding subtle variations like lemon zest, or dusting with powdered sugar to match any occasion or personal preference.

What You’ll Need for Tea Cake Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for the cookies, provides soft and tender texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Creamy base that creates rich, sweet foundation for cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor profile.
• Milk: Optional ingredient to adjust dough consistency if needed.

• Egg Yolk (Optional): Creates golden, glossy surface when brushed on cookies before baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.

Bake Southern Tea Cake Cookies at Home

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set the bowl aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 3-4 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything blends into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. If the dough feels too stiff, splash in milk one tablespoon at a time to reach the right texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic and send it to the refrigerator for a 30-minute cool-down. This helps prevent cookies from spreading wildly during baking.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 14-inch thickness. Cut into classic round shapes or get creative with your cookie cutter.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange cookies on the baking sheet with some breathing room between them. For an extra golden touch, brush tops with egg yolk. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden while centers stay soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Pair with a steaming cup of tea or enjoy solo as a delightful treat!

Pro Tips for Tea Cake Cookie Bakers

• Measure Flour Precisely: Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense, heavy cookies by avoiding packed flour that can throw off the recipe's delicate balance.
• Soften Butter Smartly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even creaming without melting completely.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the dough for optimal texture, which helps prevent spreading and creates a more tender, delicate cookie with clean edges.
• Customize Flavor Easily: Experiment with add-ins like lemon zest, almond extract, or ground nutmeg to give these classic tea cakes a personal twist without compromising the traditional recipe.
• Store Perfectly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Tea Cake Cookie Storage That Works

• Store Southern Tea Cake Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked crispness and bring out the buttery flavor.

What to Serve with Tea Cake Cookies

• Brew a delicate chamomile or Earl Grey tea that complements the cookie's subtle sweetness and buttery texture.
• Pair with cold milk or a rich vanilla latte to enhance the cookie's delicate crumb and create a smooth, comforting experience.
• Serve alongside light lemon curd or homemade strawberry jam to add a bright, tangy contrast to the cookie's gentle sweetness.
• Complement with a gentle white wine like Moscato, which mirrors the cookie's delicate flavor profile and provides a sophisticated touch.

Fun Versions of Tea Cake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Southern Tea Cakes: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic tender texture.
• Vegan Tea Cake Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and select a plant-based milk to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Spiced Nutmeg Tea Cakes: Add ground nutmeg and cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that enhances the traditional southern cookie recipe.
• Low-Sugar Tea Cakes: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content by half and include a touch of honey for natural sweetness.

Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of Southern hospitality shine through these delightful tea cake cookies, offering a nostalgic taste of home-style comfort. Buttery, delicate rounds melt in your mouth, connecting generations with each tender, perfectly crafted bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a traditional touch)

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk

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Instructions

1. Sift the powdery ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform blend without lumps.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously cream the softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer, whipping until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with a notably fluffy texture.
3. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar emulsion, blending thoroughly until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous appearance.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with minimal manipulation to prevent gluten development. If the dough appears excessively firm, incorporate milk sparingly to achieve optimal consistency.
5. Wrap the prepared dough in plastic film and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing the ingredients to meld and preventing excessive spread during baking.
6. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the chilled dough to approximately 14-inch thickness. Utilize a cookie cutter to create uniform shapes, traditionally circular but adaptable to personal preference.
7. Arrange the cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight intervals between each. Optionally, brush cookie surfaces with egg yolk for an enhanced golden sheen.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges develop a delicate golden hue while maintaining a tender center. Transfer to a cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction before serving.
9. Present these delicate tea cakes alongside a steaming beverage or enjoy as a standalone confection, embodying the essence of Southern culinary tradition.

Notes

• Softening butter is crucial for achieving a creamy, smooth texture that helps bind ingredients perfectly without creating tough cookies.
• Chilling dough prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain their delicate, traditional Southern shape during baking.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep tea cakes tender and prevent developing excess gluten that can make cookies tough and dense.
• Experiment with adding subtle flavor variations like lemon zest, almond extract, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to customize these classic Southern treats while maintaining their delicate character.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg