Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Southern Tea Cake Cookies are a timeless classic in Southern baking, known for their simple yet delicious flavor and soft texture. These cookies are often associated with family gatherings, church socials, and special occasions. With a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, Southern Tea Cakes remain a favorite treat for those looking for a taste of Southern hospitality. This recipe brings together just a few pantry staples to create a delicate, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. Let’s dive into how to make this Southern favorite!

What Are Southern Tea Cake Cookies?

Southern Tea Cake Cookies are traditional, lightly sweetened cookies made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a touch of vanilla. Unlike the more sugary, decorated sugar cookies, tea cakes are simple, comforting, and perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The texture of tea cakes is soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, making them a delightful snack or dessert.

Ingredients for Southern Tea Cake Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for softer dough)
• 1 egg yolk (optional, for brushing the tops)

How to Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies:

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. The mixture will look smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. If the dough seems a bit too stiff, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Once the dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes (traditional tea cakes are usually round, but feel free to get creative).

Step 7: Bake the Tea Cakes

Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. If desired, brush the tops of the cookies with a little egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them with your favorite hot beverage, or enjoy them on their own for a delightful treat!

Tips for Perfect Southern Tea Cake Cookies:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies, so be careful when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Customization: Feel free to customize these cookies by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for later use.

Why You’ll Love Southern Tea Cake Cookies:

Southern Tea Cake Cookies are the epitome of Southern comfort food. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them a go-to treat for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just to enjoy with your morning coffee, these cookies will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The soft, delicate texture combined with the buttery flavor makes them a favorite for all ages.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a taste of the South, these Southern Tea Cake Cookies are an excellent starting point. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and are a lovely way to share a bit of Southern charm with your loved ones. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the comforting taste of tradition!

Serving and Storage Tips for Southern Tea Cake Cookies

Serving Tips:

• Pair with a Hot Beverage: Southern Tea Cake Cookies are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even warm milk. Their light sweetness and buttery texture complement these beverages beautifully.
• Serve as a Dessert or Snack: These cookies are versatile enough to be served as a dessert after dinner or as a light snack during the day. They are also a great addition to any Southern-themed gathering, church social, or family picnic.
• Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a vintage cookie jar for an added touch of Southern charm when serving. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.

Storage Tips:

• Airtight Container: Store Southern Tea Cake Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 1 week when stored properly.
• Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat, to keep them from drying out.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: If you’d like to keep the cookies for a longer period, freeze them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cookies into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough itself! After chilling the dough and rolling it out, use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the unbaked cookies for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two if needed.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Southern Tea Cake Cookies fresh for days and even have some to enjoy later!

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?

While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in your cookies, you can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

2. Can I add any flavorings or mix-ins to the dough?

Yes! Southern Tea Cake Cookies have a simple flavor base, which makes them versatile. You can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest for a unique twist. You could also mix in small amounts of chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips if you prefer a more textured cookie.

3. Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough is important because it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This allows them to hold their shape better and results in a thicker, more tender cookie. It also makes the dough easier to handle when rolling it out.

4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. If you’d like to prepare them ahead of time, you can also freeze the dough and bake them later, or freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months for a convenient, ready-to-eat treat.

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