If you’ve ever been on the lookout for a comforting, nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug from the South, you’re in the right place. This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is an absolute delight, combining a tender crumb with a subtle vanilla sweetness that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen table with family or need a dependable, crowd-pleasing snack, these cookies hit that perfect balance between buttery softness and just a hint of crispness. They’re as charming as a porch swing on a sunny afternoon and just as inviting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Southern Tea Cake Cookies, you only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the table—from the tender crumb of the flour to the buttery richness of the butter—making these cookies truly shine without any fuss.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookie structure without overpowering softness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps create that delicate lift, ensuring the cookies don’t become dense.
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature): This provides richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that’s perfectly mellow, allowing the butter and vanilla to glow.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together while adding just a touch of moisture and gold color.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, fragrant aroma that’s utterly comforting.
How to Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start with a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, salt, and baking soda. This step ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important to get uniform texture and flavor in each bite.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until fluffy and smooth. This process aerates the butter, which is key to making the cookies soft, light, and melt gently on the tongue.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Turn your mixer to medium speed and incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Mixing these in slows adds moisture and that classic sweet aroma that’s sure to fill your kitchen with cozy vibes.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture in three parts. Mixing well after each addition helps avoid overworking the dough, keeping the cookies tender and delicate.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough to a Ziploc bag and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the dough, which makes shaping your cookies easier and helps prevent spreading while baking.
Step 6: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Then, gently press down the center of each ball to slightly flatten it. This classic shape ensures even baking and that perfect Southern Tea Cake Cookies texture.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when you see that subtle color change and the irresistible aroma begins to fill your kitchen.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short resting time lets the cookies set so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
How to Serve Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are lovely on their own, but if you want to dress them up a bit, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch of sweetness and makes them look irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair Southern Tea Cake Cookies with a hot cup of sweet tea or a creamy latte for an authentic, Southern-inspired experience. They also complement fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful variation.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a vintage plate with a linen napkin for a charming Southern tea party vibe. Or, try sandwiching them with a dollop of homemade jam or lemon curd to create mini tea-time treats that’ll impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Southern Tea Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their tender texture and lovely vanilla scent.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months by layering them between parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, simply thaw them at room temperature for a soft, freshly baked feel.
Reheating
If you want to bring back that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This quick reheat revives their buttery, tender magic and makes them taste like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the cookie’s final flavor.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and keeps their texture tender and perfect.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Just keep an eye on the texture as some blends absorb more moisture.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even dried fruit can be a fantastic twist, but keep the amounts moderate to maintain the delicate texture of classic Southern tea cakes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe enough if you’re craving something simple, sweet, and utterly comforting. Each bite is a little piece of Southern charm that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own with a cup of tea. Go ahead and give these cookies a try—they’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Southern Tea Cake Cookies are classic, buttery, and soft cookies with a light vanilla flavor, perfect for pairing with a warm cup of tea. These traditional treats offer a tender crumb and slightly crisp edges, bringing a nostalgic Southern charm to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step incorporates air for a light texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Reduce mixer speed to medium. Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three separate additions. Mix well after each addition to create a smooth dough without overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the prepared cookie dough into a Ziploc bag and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and improving the cookie texture.
- Prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Form cookies: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Gently press the center of each dough ball to flatten slightly. Place the cookies spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps set their structure.
Notes
- Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough when adding the flour to prevent tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better cookie shape.
- Use parchment paper to avoid cookies sticking to the tray.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
