These Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are the epitome of classic Southern baking. Soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, these tea cakes are a perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies bring comfort and tradition to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’ll love these Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes. The dough is rich and soft, with just a hint of nutmeg that adds a warm spice without overpowering the sweetness. These cookies are simple to make and bake quickly, making them perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or a cozy snack at any time of day. Their delicate texture and mild flavor pair wonderfully with tea, but they’re also delicious on their own.
Ingredients
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1 3/4 cups white sugar
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1 cup butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter until the mixture is fluffy and light.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, beat in the vanilla extract.
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Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until fully combined.
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Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden.
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Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 24 cookies
Variations
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Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or even chocolate chips to the dough.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist on these tea cakes.
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Icing: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled tea cakes for a sweet finishing touch.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: These cookies are best served fresh, but you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but be sure to omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
2. Can I use a sugar substitute instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute white sugar with a sugar alternative, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the tea cakes.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser, and the flavor will be a bit nuttier. It’s best to substitute no more than half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) or another egg replacement like aquafaba.
6. How do I know when the tea cakes are done baking?
The cookies are done when they’re golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as they bake quickly.
7. Can I add other spices to these cookies?
Yes! You can add more cinnamon, cloves, or ginger for additional spiciness if you want a stronger flavor.
8. How do I make these cookies crispier?
To make the cookies crispier, flatten the dough balls more before baking, and bake for a minute or two longer.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cookies. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as you may need to bake in batches.
10. What should I serve with these tea cakes?
These tea cakes are perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee, but they’re also delicious on their own or served with fruit preserves for a sweet, simple treat.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a timeless treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of classic Southern baking with just the right amount of spice. Soft, tender, and lightly sweet, these cookies are a delightful snack or dessert that pairs perfectly with tea. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for a cozy afternoon, these tea cakes will bring warmth and comfort to your table.
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Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
These Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a classic Southern dessert that features soft, buttery cookies with a hint of nutmeg and a delicate texture. Perfect for an afternoon snack or paired with tea, these cookies are easy to make and full of comforting flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy at any time of day.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter until the mixture is fluffy and light.
-
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, beat in the vanilla extract.
-
Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until fully combined.
-
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden.
-
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
-
Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or even chocolate chips to the dough.
-
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist on these tea cakes.
-
Icing: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled tea cakes for a sweet finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
