If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, nostalgic treat, you’re going to love this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe. These soft, lightly sweetened tea cakes bring the warmth of Southern kitchens right to your home with each tender bite. Perfectly delicate with a hint of buttery richness and a whisper of nutmeg, they’re the kind of cookies that make you pause and savor a moment with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re new to Southern baking or revisiting a beloved classic, this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable flavors, and this recipe is no exception. Each item plays a vital role in making these tea cakes tender, flavorful, and beautifully textured.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The foundation of richness and tenderness in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the buttery base.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, familiar notes.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the structure while keeping the tea cakes soft and tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise lightly, giving a gentle lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle warm spice that’s traditional but can be skipped if you prefer.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your tea cakes from sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, creating that soft, cakey texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This combination gives the tea cakes their moisture and depth of flavor, making every bite special.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional nutmeg. Dry ingredients should be evenly combined to ensure consistent texture and flavor throughout your dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined into a soft dough. Avoid overmixing here, as that can make your tea cakes tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Shape the Tea Cakes
Roll the dough into roughly 1 1/2-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to create a gentle, even shape—this helps them bake evenly while keeping the centers soft.
Step 7: Bake Until Edges Turn Golden
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden but the centers remain delightfully soft. This careful timing creates that perfect balance of tender middle and slightly crisp edges—that’s the hallmark of a truly great Southern tea cake.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them set up so you can enjoy their classic texture in every bite.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these tea cakes are delightful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can elevate the experience further. For special occasions, try a thin glaze of lemon or almond icing to add a subtle zing.
Side Dishes
Tea cakes pair beautifully with a warm cup of sweet tea or freshly brewed coffee—whether black or creamy. For a thoughtful Southern-inspired spread, serve alongside fresh fruit preserves, clotted cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the tea cakes into mini towers tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming presentation at tea parties or family gatherings. Alternatively, create sandwich cookies by spreading homemade jam or cream cheese between two tea cakes for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe treats will stay fresh and soft for up to four days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their tender crumb and buttery flavor, so plan to enjoy them soon after baking!
Freezing
If you’d like to extend their shelf life, these tea cakes freeze wonderfully. Simply place them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tea cakes keep well for up to three months, making them perfect for holiday prep or spontaneous sweet cravings.
Reheating
To refresh your tea cakes, warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This quick reheating softly revives their fresh-from-the-oven texture without drying them out.
FAQs
What makes these tea cakes Southern?
The tender crumb, subtle spices, and old-fashioned baking methods give these tea cakes their unmistakable Southern charm. They’re reminiscent of the warm hospitality and time-honored traditions found in Southern kitchens.
Can I substitute the butter for oil or margarine?
Butter is essential in this recipe for its flavor and texture. Substituting with oil or margarine will alter the taste and may affect the softness of the tea cakes, so it’s best to stick with real unsalted butter for authentic results.
Are these tea cakes similar to cookies?
Yes, they are soft, cake-like cookies. Unlike crunchy cookies, Southern tea cakes are delicately tender with a slightly cakey texture, making them perfect for pairing with tea or coffee.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon can add lovely variations. Just remember to keep additions modest so they complement rather than overpower the classic character of this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it uses no animal products other than eggs and dairy butter. It’s a wonderful dessert option for many dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about biting into a homemade Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe that transports you to a slower, sweeter time. It’s a recipe that’s both simple and rich in tradition, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a quiet afternoon. So don your apron, gather these humble ingredients, and treat yourself to a little Southern comfort—you won’t regret it!
Print
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are soft, cake-like cookies known for their delicate texture and subtle sweetness. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, they offer a nostalgic taste of Southern baking that’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. A hint of nutmeg adds a warm, comforting flavor, while optional lemon zest or almond extract can lend a traditional twist.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it, preserving tenderness.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Dough Balls: Lightly flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass or your palm to shape the cookies evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden, but the centers remain soft for that signature tea cake texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly without becoming soggy.
Notes
- These tea cakes are soft, cake-like cookies—not overly sweet.
- For a traditional twist, add a hint of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
- They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
