Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a soft, buttery delight with a delicate hint of nutmeg. Perfect for gatherings, family events, or simply as a nostalgic treat, these cookies bring a touch of Southern charm to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Flavor: These tea cakes deliver a taste of tradition, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Versatile: Enjoy them plain or add icing for an extra special touch.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up anytime.
Perfect Texture: Soft and slightly chewy, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
Nostalgic Appeal: A recipe passed down through generations, these tea cakes evoke warm memories.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ¾ cups white sugar
1 cup butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth. Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough as desired.
Place the cookies 1 ½ inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 36 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.
Citrus Infusion: Substitute vanilla extract with lemon or orange extract for a zesty flavor.
Iced Finish: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a modern take.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To refresh the cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes.
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FAQs
What makes Southern tea cakes different from regular cookies?
Southern tea cakes are less sweet than typical cookies and have a soft, cake-like texture with a subtle spice profile.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and shape. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Can I use cookie cutters with intricate designs?
Yes, but keep in mind that softer dough like this may not hold extremely intricate shapes well. Choose simpler designs for the best results.
Why are my tea cakes hard instead of soft?
Overbaking can cause tea cakes to become hard. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a timeless recipe that embodies the warmth and simplicity of Southern hospitality. With their buttery texture and nostalgic flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
📖 Recipe:
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Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- Total Time: 1 hour (Includes chilling)
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are soft, buttery cookies with a hint of nutmeg, bringing the warmth and charm of Southern tradition to your table. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a nostalgic treat at home.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups white sugar
1 cup butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them 1 ½ inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough ensures easier rolling and prevents spreading during baking.
For variation, add cinnamon, ginger, or citrus extracts.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal
