There is something truly comforting about a batch of classic, melt-in-your-mouth cookies fresh from the oven, and this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. These tea cakes carry the warmth and nostalgia of Southern baking traditions, with a tender crumb and just the right hint of nutmeg that makes every bite feel like a cozy afternoon with friends and family. If you’re searching for a simple yet unforgettable treat to share or savor alongside your favorite cup of tea, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create a delicious tea cake with a golden color, tender texture, and subtle nutty spice. Each item plays a crucial role, whether adding richness, structure, or flavor harmony to the final cookie.
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate, slightly crisp edge.
- 1 cup butter: Brings richness and a buttery depth that defines these tea cakes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and provide moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and subtle sweetness with a floral note.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving structure and chew.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly for just the right texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a comforting spice that makes these tea cakes uniquely Southern.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the white sugar with the butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring your tea cakes are wonderfully tender and have a delicate crumb.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract which will lift the flavor profile and add a sweet, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients separately guarantees that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout your dough, avoiding pockets of uneven flavor or texture.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead it lightly on a floured surface just enough to bring it together without overworking, making sure your tea cakes stay tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut, and prevents spreading during baking so your tea cakes keep their perfect shape.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll your chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface, then cut it into lovely shapes using cookie cutters. This part is where you can get creative! Whether classic rounds or charming shapes, they’ll all bake up beautifully.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your cut-outs on ungreased baking sheets, spacing each 1 ½ inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the edges to become lightly golden — this indicates your tea cakes are baked just right, with a tender center and a hint of crispness around the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, your tea cakes are ready to be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or shared as a delightful treat with loved ones.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these tea cakes are wonderful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, festive touch that enhances their charm. You can also try a smear of homemade jam or honey butter for a sweet, indulgent twist that complements the subtle spice of nutmeg.
Side Dishes
Pair these tea cakes with a strong cup of black tea or sweet iced tea to balance the sweetness perfectly. For an afternoon treat, consider serving alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Stack a few tea cakes with layers of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting in between to make a charming dessert tower. Alternatively, arrange them on a vintage platter with a floral teapot to create an inviting Southern tea party setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—and trust me, that’s often the case—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps your tea cakes soft yet still slightly crisp on the edges, maintaining their delightful texture.
Freezing
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe also freezes beautifully! Layer the cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Reheating
For freshly baked warmth, you can gently reheat individual tea cakes in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the buttery aroma and soft texture as if they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key for the flavor and texture in this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe, so while margarine might work in a pinch, oil won’t give the right richness or structure. For best results, stick with real butter.
What’s the purpose of nutmeg in these tea cakes?
Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spicy note that complements the sweetness and rich butter flavor, giving these tea cakes their classic Southern charm without overpowering the palate.
Can I make these tea cakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s a 1-to-1 baking flour that’s designed to mimic regular flour for the best texture.
How long do these tea cakes stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to maintain freshness.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No need to grease the baking sheets with this recipe since the butter in the dough prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake up with perfect edges and bottoms.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to bring a touch of Southern warmth to your kitchen, this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe is a wonderful place to start. Their simplicity, comforting flavors, and tender texture make them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking—your next favorite cookie moment awaits!
Print
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are classic, tender cookies with a delightful hint of nutmeg and a rich buttery flavor. These tea cakes are perfect for afternoon tea, gatherings, or as a sweet snack, made from simple ingredients and baked to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Beat Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Chill Dough: Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough briefly until smooth, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough and enhance texture.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface, then use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cut cookies on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart to allow for slight expansion.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to aid mixing.
- You can add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a slight crunch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- These tea cakes freeze well when wrapped tightly; thaw before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase nutmeg to ½ teaspoon or add cinnamon.
