Introduction
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a treasured gem in Southern baking, passed down from generation to generation like handwritten letters filled with warmth and comfort. These delightful cookies (often confused with cakes) have deep roots in African-American and Southern culinary tradition, tracing back to the 18th century. With a tender, buttery texture and a soft interior that dances between a cookie and a cake, tea cakes are simple yet nostalgic. Made from pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, they’re often flavored with vanilla or a touch of nutmeg and enjoyed alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot sweet tea.
This recipe brings that traditional charm to life, with precise steps to ensure perfect results and the heartwarming experience only a true Southern treat can provide.
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a classic Southern twist)
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Additional flour for rolling
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Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is essential for ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add eggs and vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly glossy at this point.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg if using. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as it may toughen the tea cakes.
Step 4: Chill the dough
Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps develop flavor and texture.
Step 5: Roll and cut the tea cakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use round cookie cutters or glass rims (2 to 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake and cool
Bake the tea cakes for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. They should remain pale and soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation:
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Lemon Zest Tea Cakes: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist.
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Buttermilk Tea Cakes: Replace one of the eggs with ¼ cup of buttermilk for extra tenderness.
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Spiced Tea Cakes: Incorporate ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a warm spiced flavor.
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Decorated Tea Cakes: Glaze with a simple vanilla icing or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Cooking Note:
Tea cakes are meant to be soft and cake-like rather than crispy. Keep a close eye on the baking time and don’t overbake. The centers should look slightly underdone when they come out of the oven—they will continue to firm up as they cool. If you prefer crisp edges, roll them thinner and bake slightly longer.
Serving Suggestions:
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With Sweet Tea or Coffee: The classic Southern pairing—serve with a glass of chilled sweet tea or hot black coffee.
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Afternoon Tea Tray: Pair with finger sandwiches and scones for a Southern-inspired afternoon tea.
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Holiday Dessert Table: These cookies make a charming addition to Christmas or Easter platters.
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Family Gatherings: Perfect for reunions or Sunday dinners, served as a nostalgic treat that everyone loves.
Tips:
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better consistency.
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Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is crucial for easy rolling and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
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Even Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or dowels to keep cookie thickness consistent for even baking.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Prep Time:
15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Tea Cake – Approx. 1 of 24):
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Calories: 160
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Protein: 2g
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Sodium: 95mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients and serving size.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between tea cakes and sugar cookies?
A: Tea cakes are softer, puffier, and more cake-like than sugar cookies, which tend to be thinner and crisper. Tea cakes also often include a hint of spice or buttermilk, making them uniquely Southern.
Q: Can I freeze the dough for later use?
A: Yes, wrap the dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Q: Why do my tea cakes come out dry?
A: Overbaking or adding too much flour can result in dryness. Be sure to measure flour correctly and remove cookies when the edges are just barely golden.
Q: Can I add raisins or nuts to this recipe?
A: While not traditional, yes! A handful of finely chopped pecans or currants can add interesting texture and flavor.
Q: Do tea cakes have to be round?
A: Not at all. While circles are traditional, you can use any cookie cutter shape you’d like—especially for holidays or special occasions.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are more than just a treat—they’re a piece of history. These humble cookies carry the essence of Southern heritage, often recalling memories of grandmothers rolling dough on floured countertops and filling homes with the scent of vanilla and nutmeg. Whether you’re baking a batch to enjoy with tea, to share with family, or to gift to a neighbor, these tea cakes offer a comforting taste of tradition that never goes out of style. With simple ingredients and heartfelt preparation, you can bring this timeless Southern classic to life in your own kitchen.