If you are searching for a treat that tastes like a sweet bite of nostalgia, Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are the answer. These pillowy cookies offer a satisfyingly tender crumb, simple flavors, and just a bit of sugar—a recipe beloved by Southern grandmothers for generations. With roots stretching deep into regional memory, these tea cakes transform basic pantry staples into a gently sweet, buttery delight that’s equally perfect for a tea party, after-school snack, or savoring with your morning coffee. Their rustic, golden edges and soft centers make them truly irresistible, ensuring every bite brings not only flavor but also a little comfort from the past.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes shine thanks to a handful of everyday basics—each one playing an essential role. From rich butter to fragrant vanilla and just a hint of spice, every ingredient works together to give these cookies their signature taste and unmistakable texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for richness and that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture—always make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds a gentle sweetness without overpowering the flavor; it’s just enough to create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the tea cakes a soft, almost cakey interior.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, floral note that perfumes each bite and brings a traditional Southern aroma to your kitchen.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The core of the structure—don’t pack your flour to keep the cookies light and soft.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for that characteristic pillowy texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a slight lift and helps achieve those barely golden edges.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the cookies from being too sweet.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a whisper of spice reminiscent of classic Southern tea cakes from yesteryear.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the sweet spot for baking these cookies to perfect softness with barely golden edges. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—these delicate cookies will lift right off when they’re done.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial: creaming adds air, making your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes wonderfully soft and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain that creamy base. Stir in the vanilla extract—you’ll notice the dough take on a silky smooth texture and a sweet, inviting aroma that hints at what’s to come.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg if you enjoy a hint of spice. Mixing the dry ingredients first guarantees even distribution and prevents any baking powder or salt pockets in your cookies.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Your dough should be soft, almost like a thick cake batter; don’t overmix if you want to keep that signature tenderness of Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten
Gently roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, then place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. For that classic look, lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm. This helps them bake evenly and gives them that perfect “tea cake” shape.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges start to turn barely golden but the centers remain soft. Resist the urge to overbake! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling before enjoying your first bite of nostalgia.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Garnishes
While Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are beautiful in their simplicity, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of thin icing can add festive flair. Try a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest or a few sliced almonds for an elegant finish that complements their subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like pairing tea cakes with a warm cup of black tea, mild coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. For a Southern tea tray, offer them alongside fresh fruit, delicate finger sandwiches, or a tangy lemon curd for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your tea cakes high on a vintage cake stand, wrap them in parchment for a charming homemade gift, or tuck a couple into lunchboxes for a sweet midday surprise. For gatherings, arrange them on a platter with edible flowers or mini cups of fruit preserves for a cheerful, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, keep your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days, making them easy to bake ahead for any occasion.
Freezing
Planning further ahead? Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your tea cakes need a little revival, a quick 5–10 seconds in the microwave will bring back their just-baked softness. Take care not to overheat or they’ll dry out—just a brief warm-up does the trick.
FAQs
Are Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes the same as sugar cookies?
While they share similar ingredients, Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are softer, less sweet, and have a more cake-like crumb than traditional sugar cookies. The subtle flavors and tender bite set them apart as a beloved Southern classic.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for your favorite nondairy baking substitute—just be sure it’s unsalted and made for baking. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get deliciously soft cookies.
Can I add other flavors?
Definitely. Lemon zest, almond extract, or even a touch of cinnamon can be added to the dough for extra personality. Just be careful not to overpower the gentle flavor that makes Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes so timeless.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Softness comes from not overbaking; pull the tea cakes from the oven when the edges are just turning golden and the centers still look a bit underdone. Storing them in an airtight container also preserves their tender crumb.
Should I use nutmeg or leave it out?
Nutmeg is traditional, but totally optional. If you love a whisper of spice, add it in. Otherwise, you can stick to the core recipe and still have authentic Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes every time.
Final Thoughts
Baking Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes is like inviting a little Southern hospitality into your home. Soft, simple, and truly comforting, these cookies capture the magic of tradition in every bite. Give them a try, share them with those you love, and savor the sweet comfort they bring to any occasion.
Print
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Soft, cake-like cookies with a hint of nutmeg, these nostalgic sweets are a classic Southern favorite.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg if using.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, place them on the baking sheet, flatten, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the tea cakes cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These tea cakes are soft, cake-like cookies with a subtle sweetness.
- Enhance the flavor with lemon zest or almond extract for a traditional touch.
- Pair these treats with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tea cake
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
