Sweet Southern Tradition: Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Welcome to a taste of Southern hospitality with our delightful Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes recipe. These tender, buttery cookies have been a beloved staple in Southern kitchens for generations, and now you can bring the charm of the South to your own home with this simple and delicious recipe.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic flavors, these Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, a family gathering, or simply craving a comforting treat, these cookies are sure to evoke warm memories and satisfy your cravings.

Why It’s Great

What makes these tea cakes truly special is their simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of basic ingredients, including pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, you can whip up a batch of these classic cookies in no time. They’re perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, and their timeless appeal ensures they’ll never go out of style.

Recipe Notes

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups white sugar
1 cup butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; stir into creamed mixture.
Knead dough for a few turns on a floured board until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on the cookie sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Hand or stand mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire rack

Leftover Storage

Store any leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes with a steaming cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a special touch, serve them alongside your favorite fruit preserves or a dollop of whipped cream.

FAQ

Can I add any flavorings or mix-ins to the dough? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite flavorings or mix-ins to customize the tea cakes to your liking. Try incorporating citrus zest, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient to bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.

If you delight in the sweet simplicity of Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes, be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious Southern-inspired recipes and culinary inspiration.

Savor the taste of tradition with these timeless Southern treats, and let the comforting flavors transport you to a bygone era of hospitality and charm.