Easy Southern Tea Cakes Recipe: Sweet Perfection in Minutes

Southern tea cakes whisper memories of grandmother’s kitchen, where generations of bakers perfected their craft.

Soft and delicate, these humble cookies carry the essence of traditional home baking.

Their simple ingredients enhance into something magical through careful preparation and love.

Rich butter and subtle spices create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Generations have passed down these recipes, preserving a delicious piece of culinary heritage.

Each bite connects you to family traditions and the warmth of southern hospitality.

Why Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Never Go Out of Style

• Savor Southern Comfort: These tea cakes capture the warm, nostalgic essence of traditional Southern baking, delivering a sweet slice of heritage in every bite.
• Effortless Elegance: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful cookies that look and taste professionally made.
• Texture Magic: Enjoy a perfect balance of soft, tender centers with slightly crisp edges, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that's both light and satisfying.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in under 30 minutes of active preparation, these tea cakes are ideal for impromptu gatherings, family treats, or unexpected guest surprises.

Ingredients That Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes So Special

Main Ingredients:

Flour Group: -All-Purpose Flour: Soft and fine flour that creates the base for the tea cakes tender texture.

Sugar Group: -Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredient that provides sweetness and helps create a golden color.

Fat Group: -Unsalted Butter: Rich dairy product that adds moisture and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Binding Ingredients:

Egg Group: -Large Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the tea cakes together and adds richness.

Vanilla Group: -Pure Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavoring that enhances the overall sweetness and depth of the tea cakes.

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

Spice and Leavening Group: -Baking Soda, Salt, Nutmeg: Leavening agent that helps the tea cakes rise, salt that balances sweetness, and nutmeg that adds warm, subtle spice.

How to Bake Soft, Buttery Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Sugar

Blend butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to help it firm up and enhance flavor.

Step 6: Shape the Tea Cakes

Remove dough from refrigerator. Roll small portions into balls, then gently flatten them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cake.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer tea cakes to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving.

Tips for Traditional Southern Tea Cakes That Don’t Dry Out

• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and maintain the tea cakes' classic shape during baking.
• Handle Gently: Use a light touch when rolling and flattening dough to keep the delicate texture of these traditional Southern treats.
• Measure Precisely: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife for accurate ingredient proportions that ensure perfect consistency.
• Watch Carefully: Check tea cakes at 10 minutes to prevent over-browning, looking for light golden edges as a sign of doneness.
• Store Smartly: Keep cooled tea cakes in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to maintain their soft, tender texture for several days.

Keeping Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Tasty for Days

• Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Place cooled tea cakes in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator. Keep the container away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate flavor.
• Freeze for Long-Term Storage: Wrap individual tea cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy these Southern treats later. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Gentle Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed tea cakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to regain their soft, tender texture.

Best Pairings for Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

• Pair with Smooth Southern Sweet Tea: Complement these traditional tea cakes with classic sweet tea, echoing the Southern heritage. The sugary, refreshing beverage perfectly balances the subtle spices and buttery texture of the cookies.
• Serve with Creamy Vanilla Custard: Enhance the tea cakes' flavor by pairing them with a silky vanilla custard. The rich, smooth dessert sauce adds depth and creates a luxurious tasting experience that highlights the cookie's delicate nutmeg notes.
• Enjoy with Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Elevate the tea cake's warmth by serving alongside a fragrant chai latte. The spicy, aromatic drink mirrors the nutmeg in the cookies and provides a cozy, comforting combination that feels like a warm Southern hug.
• Match with Pecan Praline Coffee: Create a decadent treat by pairing the tea cakes with a praline-flavored coffee. The nutty, caramel undertones complement the cookie's butter and spice, offering a delightful Southern-inspired dessert moment.

Southern Tea Cake Variations That Add a Modern Touch

• Lemon Zest Charm: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that brings a sunny Southern morning to life. The subtle citrus notes complement the traditional tea cake sweetness perfectly.
• Spiced Pecan Crunch: Fold chopped pecans and a pinch of cinnamon into the dough for a rich, nutty profile that celebrates classic Southern baking. These additions create a more complex texture and warm, comforting taste.
• Lavender Honey Whisper: Incorporate dried lavender and replace some sugar with honey to transform the classic recipe into an elegant, aromatic treat. The floral hints add a sophisticated touch to the traditional tea cake.
• Chocolate Chip Southern Style: Gently mix in mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly version that keeps the original recipe's soft, tender texture. The chocolate provides a delightful contrast to the cake's traditional sweetness.

Southern Tea Cakes Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Nostalgic Southern tea cakes bring comfort from generations past, delivering sweet memories with each tender bite. Delicate crumbs and subtle vanilla hint at grandmother’s kitchen, inviting you to savor a treasured slice of culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) plain flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) softened butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (300 milliliters) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon powdered nutmeg

Leavening and Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for even baking and easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a smooth base for the tea cakes.
3. Introduce whole eggs and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking until the ingredients are completely integrated and the texture becomes uniform.
4. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain and all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing, which could make the tea cakes tough.
6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 60-90 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to handle.
7. Remove the chilled dough and portion into small, uniform balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, placing them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Gently press down on each dough ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create slight disk shapes, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, indicating the tea cakes are perfectly cooked.
10. Transfer the baked tea cakes to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to rest and firm up for 5-7 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

• Grandma’s cherished recipe passed down through generations, capturing the essence of Southern hospitality.
• Soft, buttery cookies have a delicate texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Perfect for afternoon tea, church gatherings, or a cozy moment of nostalgia with family.
• Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that transforms these simple cookies into a comforting treat.
• Chilling the dough helps develop deeper flavors and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Versatile recipe allows for creative twists like adding lemon zest or drizzling with light glaze.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg