Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a cherished part of Southern culinary tradition, known for their simplicity and classic flavor. These sweet, tender cookies have a rich history, often associated with family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions in the South. Despite the name, tea cakes are more like a soft, delicate cookie than a traditional cake. They are lightly sweetened, with a hint of vanilla or lemon, and offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Tea cakes are beloved for their nostalgic qualities—many Southerners recall baking them with their grandmothers or enjoying them at church socials. Unlike more elaborate desserts, tea cakes focus on basic, wholesome ingredients, making them easy to prepare and perfect for creating warm, lasting memories. Whether you’re baking a batch for a family gathering or just looking for a simple yet satisfying treat, these Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a delicious way to bring a touch of Southern hospitality to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes for their simplicity and versatility. These cookies are lightly sweet, allowing the flavors of butter and vanilla to shine through. They’re not too rich or overpowering, making them an ideal everyday treat or a special addition to a tea party. This recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, and it can easily be customized with different flavorings like lemon zest or almond extract.

Another reason to love this recipe is the nostalgic, comforting experience it brings to your kitchen. The act of rolling out the dough, cutting out shapes, and baking these cookies fills the house with the warm, inviting aroma of a traditional Southern home. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—serve them at a family gathering, bring them to a potluck, or gift them to friends and neighbors. Their timeless appeal ensures that they’ll be enjoyed by everyone, young and old.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 tea cakes
• Serving Size: 1 tea cake

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

To make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest or almond extract for additional flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential for creating a tender, airy texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract (and lemon zest or almond extract, if using) until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a round cutter to cut out shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Bake the Tea Cakes

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake the tea cakes in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft, as they will firm up as they cool.
2. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the tea cakes cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Once cooled, serve the tea cakes plain or dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.

Ingredient Background

Butter

Butter is a key ingredient in Southern tea cakes, providing a rich flavor and tender texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar.

Sugar

Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the tea cakes while also contributing to their tender crumb. If you prefer a slightly less sweet cookie, you can reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons without affecting the texture too much.

Eggs

Eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe, helping to hold the dough together and adding moisture. Be sure to use large eggs for the best results, as variations in egg size can affect the consistency of the dough.

Flour

All-purpose flour is the base of the tea cake dough, providing structure and stability. For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring it, and avoid overmixing the dough to prevent toughness.

Flavorings

Vanilla extract is the classic flavoring for Southern tea cakes, but you can customize the recipe with other flavorings like almond extract, lemon zest, or even a hint of nutmeg for a more complex taste.

Technique Tips

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you’re short on time, you can place the dough in the freezer for 20-30 minutes instead of refrigerating it for an hour.
• Roll Evenly: Roll out the dough to an even thickness of about ¼ inch to ensure uniform baking. Use a ruler or rolling pin with thickness guides to help with consistency.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the tea cakes while baking. They should have lightly golden edges and soft centers when you remove them from the oven. Overbaking can result in dry, hard cookies.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

For a fun twist on traditional tea cakes, consider decorating them with icing or sprinkles. You can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies or dip them in melted chocolate. Adding colorful sprinkles or edible flowers can make them even more festive for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients, especially for the eggs, butter, and flavorings. Fresh eggs contribute to a better texture, while high-quality butter and vanilla extract enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
• Work in Batches: If you’re making a large batch of tea cakes, work with one portion of dough at a time, keeping the rest chilled in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the dough’s firmness and prevents it from becoming too soft and sticky.
• Store Properly: Store the cooled tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Tea Cakes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Almond Tea Cakes: Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract and add a handful of sliced almonds to the dough for a nutty twist.
• Spiced Tea Cakes: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the fall and winter months.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer a softer texture, add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing: To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling, cutting, and baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Healthier Twist Ideas

For a healthier version of Southern tea cakes, consider the following modifications:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. The texture may be slightly denser, but the cookies will still be delicious.
• Reduced Sugar: Reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup for a less sweet cookie. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though this may affect the dough’s consistency.
• Butter Alternatives: Use a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside other cookies, cakes, and pastries. For a tea party, arrange the tea cakes on a tiered stand with a selection of teas, jams, and clotted cream. They’re also a great addition to holiday cookie swaps or gift baskets. For a special presentation, package the tea cakes in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon, making them a thoughtful homemade gift.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (round or decorative shapes)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire rack for cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to account for the salt in the butter.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling if it becomes too firm.

What’s the best way to ensure evenly baked cookies?

Make sure to roll the dough to an even thickness and space the cookies evenly on the baking sheet. Use a cookie cutter of uniform size for consistent baking.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

How can I make the tea cakes softer?

For softer cookies, slightly underbake them, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Can I add decorations to the tea cakes?

Absolutely! You can decorate the tea cakes with royal icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw them as needed.

What type of tea pairs well with these tea cakes?

Southern tea cakes pair wonderfully with a variety of teas, including black tea, Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea. They’re also delightful with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a timeless, versatile treat that brings the warmth and charm of Southern hospitality to your kitchen. Their simple, wholesome ingredients and light, tender texture make them a delightful addition to any occasion, from casual afternoons with a cup of tea to festive holiday gatherings. This recipe is easy to follow and offers plenty of opportunities for customization, allowing you to make it your own. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these tea cakes are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, roll out the dough, and enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of these classic Southern treats.

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