If you have a soft spot for buttery, tender treats that whisper nostalgic Southern charm, this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are beautifully simple yet deeply satisfying, boasting a delicate crisp on the edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you get a perfectly balanced bite that’s sweet, subtly vanilla-infused, and undeniably comforting. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy afternoon snack or surprising loved ones with a homemade delight, these tea cakes promise a little slice of Southern hospitality in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and flavor profile. The simplicity of the components makes it both easy and rewarding to bake.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation giving these cookies their tender crumb and slight chew.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness while balancing flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps give a gentle lift for a delicate crumb texture.
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens just right and contributes to a light crisp on the edges.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds moisture, ensuring tender cookies.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor that’s pure comfort.
How to Make Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, setting a balanced foundation for your dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the room-temperature butter with sugar on high speed until the mixture is fluffy and smooth—around 4 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air, which is key to achieving that light, tender texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Reduce the mixer speed to medium, then beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until well combined. These additions bring moisture and rich flavor, elevating the dough’s taste and consistency.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture in three parts. Mixing after each addition ensures everything integrates smoothly without overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Transfer your dough to a Ziploc bag and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle while also helping the flavors meld and preventing spreading during baking.
Step 6: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and ensure even cooking—a simple step that makes all the difference.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Gently press the center of each ball to flatten slightly, giving the cookies their classic tea cake shape and encouraging even baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. This timeframe locks in the perfect balance between crisp edges and soft centers you’ll crave with each bite.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling fully helps them set properly while making sure you don’t lose that tenderness inside.
How to Serve Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these tea cake cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance and a whisper of sweetness. Fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream on the side can complement them beautifully for a charming presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe with a cup of hot tea—classic black, herbal, or lightly sweetened ice tea all work wonderfully. A glass of cold milk or even coffee can also enhance that cozy, homemade feel.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, stack these cookies with layers of homemade fruit jam or lemon curd in between to create mini sandwich cookies. Serving with a decorative plate or wrapping in parchment tied with twine makes them a wonderful gift idea or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover tea cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their tender texture—perfect for nibbling throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough before baking by shaping it into balls and placing them on a tray to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container. Both methods keep the Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe handy for a spontaneous treat.
Reheating
To revive the warmth and softness of these cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick step brings them back to their fresh-baked glory.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is essential for the rich flavor and tender texture in these cookies. While margarine might work in a pinch, oil is not recommended as it changes the dough’s consistency and final texture significantly.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and maintain a tender crumb. If you’re out, you could try baking powder, but use about three times the amount, and expect a slightly different texture.
How important is chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough is crucial. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps develop a richer flavor and better overall texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture will differ slightly. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results, and adjust moisture as needed.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these tea cake cookies remain fresh and delicious for up to a week at room temperature, making them perfect for making ahead.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe is a treasured classic that captures the essence of Southern baking with a simple, heartfelt approach. Every step is approachable, every ingredient familiar, and the result is simply delicious. I encourage you to give these charming cookies a try—they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and smiles with every bite.
Print
Southern Tea Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
These Southern Tea Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened treats perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Made with simple ingredients and a classic recipe, these cookies have a delicate texture and a subtle vanilla flavor that embodies Southern comfort baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. In the bowl of a mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 4-5 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, which helps to incorporate air for a lighter cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat until these ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Lower the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter in three parts, mixing well after each addition to form a soft cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough. Transfer the dough into a Ziploc bag or airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough, which helps in shaping and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape the Cookies. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled dough. Roll each into a ball and gently press down the center of each ball to flatten slightly. Place the cookies spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart and helps develop their soft texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential for better shaping and to prevent spreading during baking.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a slight variation, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
